taffrail

Definition

The curved wooden top of the stern of a sailing man-of-war or East Indiaman, usually carved or decorated.

Etymology

From either tafferel or aft rail, by false alteration.

Example Sentences

• "One evening, leaning over the taffrail, I observed a very singular, isolated cloud, to the N.W."
• "[…] with heavy, lumber-like pace he was measuring the ship from taffrail to mainmast […]"
• "See also citations under tafferel."