jib

Meanings

Noun

• A triangular staysail set forward of the foremast. In a sloop (see image) the basic jib reaches back roughly to the level of the mast.
• Any of a variety of specialty triangular staysails set forward of the foremast.
• The projecting arm of a crane.
• A crane used for mounting and moving a video camera.
• An object that is used for performing tricks while skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, in-line skating, or biking. These objects are usually found in a terrain park or skate park.
• One who jibs or balks, refusing to continue forward.
• A stationary condition; a standstill.
• Crystal meth.
• The mouth, sometimes particularly the tongue, underlip, or tooth.

Verb

• To shift, or swing around, as a sail, boom, yard, etc., as in tacking.
• To stop and refuse to go forward (usually of a horse).
• To stop doing something, to become reluctant to proceed with an activity.

Origin

• Attested since the 1660s, of uncertain origin. Perhaps related to jib (see below).
• Image:Jib vs genoa.svg|thumb|A jib sail, left, compared to a (roughly 150%) genoa jib, right.
• Attested since the 1680s (also spelled jibe and gybe), perhaps from Dutch gijben (a variant of gijpen, whence certainly the form jibe) or else from Danish gibbe ("jib, jibe"), related to Swedish gippa. Compare also Middle High German gempeln ("to spring"), Swedish guppa ("to move up and down"), Swedish gumpa ("to jump, spring"). See jump.
• Attested since the 1660s, of uncertain origin, perhaps a shortening of gibbet.
• Of uncertain origin, perhaps related to jib (see above).
• From Middle English gibbe, from Old French gibbe and/or Medieval Latin gibba.