taffrail

[ taf-reyl, -ruhl ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. the upper part of the stern of a ship.
2. a rail above the stern of a ship.

taffrail

/ ˈtæfˌreɪl /

noun

1. a rail at the stern or above the transom of a vessel
2. the upper part of the transom of a vessel, esp a sailing vessel, often ornately decorated

Word History and Origins

Origin of taffrail¹

1805–15; syncopated variant of taffarel; -ai- spelling Dutch -ee-

Word History and Origins

Origin of taffrail¹

C19: changed (through influence of rail ¹) from earlier tafferel, from Dutch taffereel panel (hence applied to the part of a vessel decorated with carved panels), variant of tafeleel (unattested), from tafel table

Example Sentences

Stanley Hall and Jim Welton stood leaning over the taffrail, looking down into the black foam-streaked water.

From Project Gutenberg

Monsieur de Fontanges carved his way to the taffrail, and then turned round to kill again.

From Project Gutenberg

A few minutes later the purser came aft, carrying a parcel in his hand, which he carefully placed upon the taffrail.

From Project Gutenberg

Bevans, leaning against the taffrail, was binding his right forearm with strips torn from the shirt that hung on him in tatters.

From Project Gutenberg

One struck our taffrail, and another killed a man on the forecastle; but our rigging escaped.

From Project Gutenberg