wale

noun (1)

\ ˈwāl

Definition of wale

(Entry 1 of 4)

1a : a streak or ridge made on the skin especially by the stroke of a whip : welt

b : a narrow raised surface : ridge

2 : any of a number of strakes usually of extra thick and strong planks in the sides of a wooden ship —usually used in plural

3a : one of a series of even ribs in a fabric

b : the texture especially of a fabric

4 : a horizontal constructional member (as of timber or steel) used for bracing vertical members

wale

verb (1)

waled; waling

Definition of wale (Entry 2 of 4)

transitive verb

: to mark with welts wale the skin

wale

noun (2)

Definition of wale (Entry 3 of 4)

1 dialectal British : choice

2 dialectal British : the best part : pick

wale

verb (2)

waled; waling; wales

Definition of wale (Entry 4 of 4)

dialectal British

: choose

First Known Use of wale

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for wale

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English walu; akin to Old Norse vǫlr staff and perhaps to Old Norse valr round, Latin volvere to roll — more at voluble

Noun (2)

Middle English (Scots & northern dialect) wal, from Old Norse val; akin to Old High German wala choice, Old English wyllan to wish — more at will

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wale

Definition of wale

First Known Use of wale

History and Etymology for wale

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