Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Loof
Loof
(loōf)
, Noun.
(Bot.)
The spongelike fibers of the fruit of a cucurbitaceous plant (
Luffa Aegyptiaca
); called also vegetable sponge
. Loof
(loōf or lŭf; 277)
, Noun.
[See
Luff
.] [Also written
luff
.] (Naut.)
(a)
Formerly, some appurtenance of a vessel which was used in changing her course; – probably a large paddle put over the lee bow to help bring her head nearer to the wind.
(b)
The part of a ship’s side where the planking begins to curve toward bow and stern.
Webster 1828 Edition
Loof
LOOF
,Noun.
Definition 2024
loof
loof
English
Noun
loof (plural loofs)
- (anatomy, now chiefly dialectal, Northern England, Scotland) The palm of the hand.
- (anatomy, now chiefly dialectal, Northern England, Scotland) The hand, especially, the hand outspread and upturned.
Etymology 2
From Middle English lof (“a contrivance for altering a ship's course, paddle, oar”), from Middle Dutch loef (“an oar or paddle used in steering”), ultimately from the same origin as Etymology 1.
Noun
loof (plural loofs)
- (nautical, obsolete) A contrivance (apparently a paddle or an oar) used for altering the course of a ship.
- (nautical) The after part of the bow of a ship where the sides begin to curve.
Etymology 3
Noun
loof (uncountable)
- The spongy fibers of the fruit of a cucurbitaceous plant (Luffa aegyptiaca).
Related terms
Dutch
Pronunciation
- Rhymes: -oːf
Etymology 1
From Old Dutch *lōf, from Proto-Germanic *laubą, perhaps from Proto-Indo-European *leup- (“peel, break off”). Compare Low German Loov, German Laub, West Frisian leaf, English leaf, Danish løv.
Noun
loof n (uncountable)
Derived terms
Etymology 2
Verb
loof