yawl

Definition

A small ship's boat, usually rowed by four or six oars.

Etymology

Apparently from Low German and Middle Low German jolle, or Dutch jol, possibly ultimately from a Proto-Germanic derivative of Proto-Indo-European *h₂ewlos (“tube”), see also Lithuanian aulas, Norwegian aul, Hittite [script needed] (auli-, “tube-shaped organ in the neck”), Albanian hollë, Latin alvus.

Example Sentences

• "The “Nellie,” a cruising yawl, swung to her anchor without a flutter of the sails, and was at rest."