ETYM Old Eng. lof, prob. a sort of timber by which the course of a ship was directed, perh. a sort of paddle; cf. Dutch loef luff, loeven to luff. The word is perh. akin to Eng. glove. Related to Aloof.
Sailing close to the wind.
Windward side of a ship; forward edge of fore-and-aft sail.

The side or direction from which the wind is blowing.