Reef

subs. (thieves’).—To draw up a dress-pocket until the purse is within reach of the fingers.

  2.  (racing).—See quot. [from Century].

  1888.  Atlantic, lxiv. 115. When the driver moves the bit to and fro in his mouth, the effect is to enliven and stimulate the horse…. If this motion be performed with an exaggerated movement of the arm, it is called REEFING.

  TO LET OUT A REEF, verb. phr. (common).—To unfasten a button after a meal.

  TO NEED A REEF TAKEN IN, verb. phr. (common).—To be drunk: see DRINKS and SCREWED.