strike sail

verb2

1. •
   (no longer used) To lower the sails (in preparation for dropping anchor, to salute or signal submission, in sudden gusts of wind, etc.).

   • […] at the last, famine and other necessities, caused them in the ende to strike sayle and let fall anker. — 1568
2. •
   (figurative, no longer used) To acknowledge one's inferiority (to another person); to abate pretension.

   • O that the living Harry had the temper Of he, the worst of these three gentlemen! How many nobles then should hold their places That must strike sail to spirits of vile sort! — 1596