wale
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4 ENTRIES FOUND:

1wale

noun \ˈwāl\

Definition of WALE

1
a : a streak or ridge made on the skin especially by the stroke of a whip : weal
b : a narrow raised surface : ridge
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
3
a : one of a series of even ribs in a fabric
b : the texture especially of a fabric
4
: a horizontal constructional member (as of timber or steel) used for bracing vertical members

Origin of WALE

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
First Known Use: before 12th century

2wale

transitive verb
waledwal·ing

Definition of WALE

: to mark (as the skin) with welts

First Known Use of WALE

15th century

3wale

noun

Definition of WALE

1
dialect British : choice
2
dialect British : the best part : pick

Origin of WALE

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
First Known Use: 14th century

4wale

verb

Definition of WALE

dialect British
: choose

First Known Use of WALE

14th century

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