gunwale
/ˈɡʌn(ə)l
/(also gunnel)
noun (often gunwales)
The upper edge or planking of the side of a boat or ship.Installation was neat and tidy, cables and steering being run down each side of the boat under respective gunwales and thence into the centre console....
- There was seating facing inboard along the gunwales of the boat.
- You never know what quite to expect at boat show product demonstrations, but when someone swings a baseball bat repeatedly into a boat's gunwale, they quickly get everyone's attention.
Phrases
to the gunwales
Origin
Late Middle English: from gun + wale (because it was formerly used to support guns).