0 to fold and roll something such as a flag, sail, or umbrella into a tight tube shape --
1 (esp. of a flag, sail, or umbrella) to roll or fold up and fasten: --
A rigger worked the running rigging and furled and released sails.
The sails, when not deployed, furl into the mast.
A roll mainsail is furled by being rolled within (or around) the mast or boom.
Flags and ensigns are hauled down or furled, and ships' colors are struck to signal a surrender.
His hair are very well grown and are normally furling in the wind.
In addition to being used by sailors for reefing and furling sails, it is also one of the key knots of macrame textiles.
To furl the mainsail, the boom is unlocked, and then rotated to take up the desired amount of mainsail, and then locked in place.
Due to the weather conditions it was not possible to furl all the sails.
