Main Entry: ¹wale

Pronunciation: \ˈwāl\

Function: noun

Etymology: 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

Date: before 12th century

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