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1

brail

noun \ ˈbrāl \

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of brail

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

Recent Examples of brail from the Web

In it, Jenna is seated in a chair in a dark room when someone dressed in scrubs and blue gloves drops a brail book in her lap to read.

— noelle devoe, Seventeen, "Here's Every Little "Pretty Little Liars" Season 7B Spoiler So Far," 25 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'brail.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of brail

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

2

brail

verb

Definition of brail

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

1625

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

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WORD OF THE DAY

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BROWSE DICTIONARY

braid wool

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Braila

brailer

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