gybe

Meaning

Verb

1. (transitive) To shift a fore-and-aft sail from one side of a sailing vessel to the other, while sailing before the wind.
2. (intransitive) Of a fore-and-aft sail or its boom: to shift, often forcefully and suddenly, from one side of a sailing vessel to the other.
3. (intransitive) Generally of a small sailing vessel: to change tack with the wind crossing behind the vessel.
4. (broadly, obsolete) Often as gybe at: to balk, hesitate, or vacillate when faced with a course of action, plan, or proposal.

Noun

1. The act of gybing.
2. The act of gybing.
3. (broadly) A sudden change in approach or direction; vacillation.

Noun

Alternative spelling of jibe (“taunt”).

Synonyms

jibe

jib

change course

gibe

jibb

irresolution

rocking

swaying

Translations

strambare

empanner

borneig

halsen

Schaukeln

foc

balancement

empannage

andirivieni

viavai

scambismo

gijpen

schommeling

va-e-ven

balanceo

Pronounced as (IPA)

/d͡ʒaɪb/

Etymology

Cognate with Danish: gibbe

Cognate with German: gieben

Cognate with Swedish: gipa

In summary

Probably from Dutch gijben (obsolete), gijpen; cognate with Danish gibbe, German gieben, giepen, Swedish gipa, gippa.
The noun is derived from the verb; compare Dutch gijb (obsolete), gijp (“act of gybing; a boom”).