Loof-HOOKS, a tackle with two hooks; one to hitch into a cringle of the main or fore-sail, in the bolt-ropes at the leech of the sail by the clew; and the other is to hitch into a strap, which is spliced to the chiefs-tree.
Their use is to pull down the sail, and succour the tackles in a large sail and stiff gale, that all the stress may not bear upon the tack. It is also used when the tack is to be seized more secure, and to take off or put on a bonnet or drabler.