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noun

wale

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Wale (noun) means a raised ridge or small barrier.

noun
1
A raised ridge or small barrier.
2
A raised line or rib on a fabric's surface, as seen in corduroy.
"Most twills are continuous—the wale goes from one corner to the one diagonally opposite. Pattern, however, can be achieved by periodically changing the direction of the wales." — Kax Wilson, A History of Textiles (1979)
3
The feel and pattern of a fabric's surface.
4
A horizontal raised strip or ledge on the outer planking of a wooden ship, for example a gunwale or a chainwale.
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Etymology

The noun is from Middle English wāle (“planking, welt”), from Old English walu (“ridge, bank; rib, comb (of helmet); metal ridge on top of helmet; weal, mark of a blow”), from Proto-Germanic *waluz (“stick, root”), from Proto-Indo-European *welH- (“to turn, wind, roll”). Akin to Low German wāle; Old Norse vala (“knuckle”). The verb is from late Middle English wālen, from the noun.

wheal welt weal strake

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of wale?
"wale" (noun) means a raised ridge or small barrier.
What is another word for wale?
Other words for "wale" include wheal, welt, weal, strake.
What are the different meanings of wale?
"wale" has 3 main meanings: 1. A raised ridge or small barrier; 2. A raised line or rib on a fabric's surface, as seen in corduroy; 3. The feel and pattern of a fabric's surface.

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