taff·rail 
(tăfrāl′, -rəl)
(tăfrāl′, -rəl)n.
1. The rail around the stern of a ship or boat.
2. The flat, often richly carved upper part of the stern of a wooden ship.
[Alteration of tafferel, carved panel, from Dutch tafereel, panel for carving or painting, from Middle Dutch tafeleel, tafereel, from Old French tablel; see TABLEAU.]