gybe
/dʒaɪb/
noun
Meaning
The act of gybing.
(by extension) A sudden change in approach or direction; vacillation.
verb
Meaning
To shift a fore-and-aft sail from one side of a sailing vessel to the other, while sailing before the wind.
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.
Generally of a small sailing vessel: to change tack with the wind crossing behind the vessel.
(by extension) Often as gybe at: to balk, hesitate, or vacillate when faced with a course of action, plan, or proposal.