Furling
/ˈfɜːr.lɪŋ/noun
The act of rolling, folding, or gathering something, especially a sail or flag.
Did you know?“Furl” is a later English form that likely grew out of the nautical verb *full*, tied to handling sails—proof that everyday language can be forged by the sea, not the dictionary.
Etymological Timeline
Old English / Early Middle English
English
fullen / fullen
“To fold, gather, or roll up a sail or flag.”
15th Century
English
furlen / furl
“To roll or gather up a sail, banner, or similar cloth.”
16th Century
English
furl
“To secure a sail by folding or rolling it up against the yard or boom.”
Modern English
English
furling
“The act of rolling, folding, or gathering up something, especially a sail.”