taffrail

American

[taf-reyl, -ruhl] / ˈtæfˌreɪl, -rəl /

noun

Nautical.

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

taffrail British

/ ˈtæfˌreɪl /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of taffrail

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Fresh-faced, slender, ebullient, radiating confidence, she was a dazzling figure in a swirling cotillion or at the taffrail of a steamer.

From New York Times

We leaned against the taffrail, as the ship heeled under a wind, white caps racing after.

From Project Gutenberg

Following a not unnatural curiosity, every man rushed to the taffrails, to see what would be the result.

From Project Gutenberg

A white handkerchief waved from the taffrail of the Queen Charlotte announced the surrender.

From Project Gutenberg

Captain Biddle then ordered the firing to cease, and leaping on the taffrail, inquired if the vessel had struck.

From Project Gutenberg

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023