taffrail

American  

[taf-reyl, -ruhl] / ˈtæfˌreɪl, -rəl /

noun

Nautical.

1. the upper part of the stern of a ship.

2. a rail above the stern of a ship.

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taffrail British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of taffrail

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

Example Sentences

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 • Mar. 17, 2014

I staggered to the side on watery legs, straddled the taffrail, and looked down.

From Time Magazine Archive

Enterprise had slipped away in the low breeze like a bird and, running far in the lead, hung over her taffrail in mockery her harbor sign, "Please Keep Astern."

From Time Magazine Archive

Mr. Black was drowned in 1930, slipping from the taffrail of his yacht Sabalo off the Jersey coast.

From Time Magazine Archive

I therefore leaned against the taffrail, looked up at the canvas, bellying out like great balloons above my head, and resigned myself to my thoughts.

From The Beautiful White Devil by Boothby, Guy Newell