Definition

1. Noun:

   • A triangular sail: A jib is a triangular sail set forward of the foremast on a sailing vessel.

2. Verb:

   • To shift or swing across: In sailing, for a sail or boom to swing or shift suddenly from one side of a ship to the other.
   • To refuse or be unwilling: To show reluctance or refusal to proceed or comply with something.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The sailor adjusted the jib to catch the wind.
  • A larger jib can help the boat sail faster.

• Verb (sailing sense):

  • During the sudden gust, the sail jibbed violently to the other side.
  • Be careful when the boom jibs; it can be dangerous.

• Verb (refusal sense):

  • The horse jibbed at the sight of the high fence.
  • He jibbed at the idea of working on the weekend.

Advanced Usage

• "The cut of one's jib": An idiom meaning one's general appearance, manner, or style.
  • I don't like the cut of his jib; he seems dishonest.

Variants and Related Words

• Jibing (verb, present participle): The act of a sail swinging across.
• Jibbed (verb, past tense): Describes when something refused or swung across.
• Jib boom (noun): A spar extending the bowsprit, used for setting a jib sail. (This is a compound term listed separately as per instruction).

Synonyms

• Noun (sail): Foresail, headsail.
• Verb (refuse): Balk, refuse, recoil, hesitate.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

• Jib at (something): To show reluctance or disgust towards something.
  • She jibbed at the prospect of giving a public speech.

Noun

1. any triangular fore-and-aft sail (set forward of the foremast)

Verb

1. shift from one side of the ship to the other
   • The sail jibbed wildly
2. refuse to comply