gunwale

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun wale at the top of the side of boat; topmost planking of a wooden vessel

Etymology

From Middle English gonnewalle, itself from gonne (“gun”) + wale, as it used to support the ship's guns; equivalent to gun + wale.

In classic literature

Synonyms

gunnel, gun rest

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