taffrail

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the rail running around the stern of a ship

   The passenger leaned against the taffrail and watched the wake.

2. 2
   noun

   the uppermost part of the stern of a traditional wooden ship

   The vessel's name was carved across the decorated taffrail.

An alteration of Dutch tafereel ("panel or decorated stern-piece"), from Middle Dutch and ultimately Old French tablel. Its English form was probably influenced by rail.

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