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brail

noun
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\ ˈbrāl How to pronounce brail (audio) \

Definition of brail

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a rope fastened to the leech of a sail and used for hauling the sail up or in
2 : a dip net with which fish are hauled aboard a boat from a purse seine or trap

brail

verb
brailed; brailing; brails

Definition of brail (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to take in (a sail) by the brails
2 : to hoist (fish) by means of a brail

First Known Use of brail

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for brail

Noun

Middle English brayle, from Anglo-French braiel belt, strap, brail, alteration of Old French braiuel belt, probably ultimately from Latin braca pants — more at breech

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Time Traveler for brail

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The first known use of brail was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Brail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brail. Accessed 7 Mar. 2021.

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