How Do You Spell TAFFRAIL?

Pronunciation: [tˈafɹe͡ɪl] (IPA)

The word "taffrail" is pronounced /ˈtæfreɪl/ and refers to the rail at the stern of a ship that encloses the poop deck. The spelling of this word follows the English language's irregularities in spelling, where the letters "ff" are used to signify a single F sound. The pronunciation of the word also shows a glottal fricative /h/ in between the two syllables. Although not commonly used in everyday language, the word taffrail is still commonly used and known in maritime industries.

TAFFRAIL Meaning and Definition

1. Taffrail is a nautical term referring to the uppermost part of a ship's stern or poop deck, particularly the decorative or protective railing or fence that runs along its edge. It is derived from the combination of the words "taff" and "rail."

   The taffrail is a prominent feature of traditional sailing vessels, typically made of wood and extending horizontally across the rear of the ship. It serves multiple purposes, including providing safety for crew members on the deck by preventing accidental falls overboard. The taffrail also acts as a boundary to keep individuals from accidentally venturing too close to the ship's stern, which can be dangerous when the vessel is at full speed or battling rough seas.

   Apart from its functional aspects, the taffrail often possesses aesthetic design elements, adding elegance and character to the ship. It may be intricately crafted, featuring ornate carvings, decorative panels, or intricate patterns that reflect the vessel's time period or culture. Some taffrails also incorporate additional elements such as brass fittings, plaques, or even flags for further embellishment.

   Overall, the taffrail is a distinctive feature of ship design, combining functionality with artistic creativity. It serves as both a safety feature and a means of adding visual appeal, contributing to the unique maritime heritage and architecture of sailing vessels.

2. In a ship, the uppermost part of the stern, which is flat on the top, like a table.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for TAFFRAIL *

• tafferal 100%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for TAFFRAIL

• raffrail
• faffrail
• yaffrail
• uaffrail
• taffreil
• taffrel
• Saffraal
• Tafferil
• affrait

Etymology of TAFFRAIL

The word "taffrail" originated from the nautical terminology. It is derived from the combination of two separate terms, "taff" and "rail".

The term "taff" refers to the uppermost part of a ship's stern or the raised platform at the back of the ship, typically where the ship's wheel is located. This term can be traced back to the Middle English word "taf", meaning a canopy or awning. It ultimately originates from the Old French word "tafe", which has the same meaning.

The term "rail" refers to a protective barrier or fence on a ship's deck, often made of wood or metal. The word "rail" comes from the Old French word "ral", meaning a horizontal bar or beam.

When these two terms are combined, "taffrail" refers to the rail or barrier that surrounds the taff, or the back of a ship.

Plural form of TAFFRAIL is TAFFRAILS