Fairing

[katytoo]

At the risk of sounding rather unenlightened, what is meant by the term "fairing"? I see the term used very often, usually in reference to finishing fiberglass or painting, but can not find a definition that applies to sailing. Does anyone on board know the meaning of the term "fairing"?
Thanks and fair winds.

[TrueBlue]

When attempting to bring a form into shape, such as applying epoxy filler to my boat's hull, or even molding a section of smoothly surfaced wood, I am fairing the surface, or making the surface fair. It's a physical process as well as an aerodynamic term, describing the desired effect for reducing air & water friction & resistance, to any surface subjected to those elements.

I have not used the term to describe sail shape, but I suppose one could.