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Glite Dictionary
taffrail

taffrail

1 9.9
A railing at the back of a ship that people lean on
  • noun
  • /ˈtæfˌreɪl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : barandilla de popa
  • I leaned against the taffrail to enjoy the view of the sunset over the ocean.

Examples

  • But we sat there still, fingering the taffrail, spinning cardboard coasters, blowing smoke, talking and listening.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • I sat on a chest against the taffrail, enjoying the salty breeze and the tarry, fishy smells of ships and harbor.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • As Larkin was drawing breath to shout a warning, the tiller lashed out to one side, striking Bedwa across the body and throwing her violently against the taffrail, where she crumpled in a heap.

    Fiction book (1994)

  • As we sailed, I held onto the taffrail to steady myself against the strong wind.

  • The sailors gathered near the taffrail to discuss their next course of action.

Synonyms

rail
vstaffrail
157 1.9

A long bar fixed for people to hold or as a fence

is the horizontal barrier placed around a ship's stern
handrail
vstaffrail
11 1.8

A bar fixed beside stairs or a balcony that you hold for support

is a barrier around the stern serving boundary rather than hand support

Compounds

taffrail log
  • Archaic
9.9

A device towed behind a ship that measures how fast it moves through the water

Surface Forms

taffrail singular
taffrails plural

Etymology

Taffrail names the railing at the back of a ship. The rail part means 'railing' and the first part taff probably comes from an old word for the ship's 'rear'. So, a helpful way to remember taffrail is to think of it as the 'tail' or 'back' rail of the boat.