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: a horizontal constructional member (as of timber or steel) used for bracing vertical members

: a horizontal constructional member (as of timber or steel) used for bracing vertical members

4 : a horizontal constructional member (as of timber or steel) used for bracing vertical members

: one of a series of even ribs in a fabric

: one of a series of even ribs in a fabric

3 a : one of a series of even ribs in a fabric

: any of a number of strakes usually of extra thick and strong planks in the sides of a wooden ship — usually used in plural

: any of a number of strakes usually of extra thick and strong planks in the sides of a wooden ship — usually used in plural

2 : any of a number of strakes usually of extra thick and strong planks in the sides of a wooden ship — usually used in plural

a streak or ridge made on the skin especially by the stroke of a whip

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for wale

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English walu; akin to Old Norse vǫlr staff and perhaps to Old Norse valr round, Latin volvere to roll — more at voluble

Noun (2)

Middle English (Scots & northern dialect) wal, from Old Norse val; akin to Old High German wala choice, Old English wyllan to wish — more at will