n. & v.
n. 1 = WEAL(1). 2 a ridge on a woven fabric, e.g. corduroy. 3 Naut. a broad thick timber along a ship's side. 4 a specially woven strong band round a woven basket.
v.tr. provide or mark with wales. wale-knot a knot made at the end of a rope by intertwining strands to prevent unravelling or act as a stopper.
[ OE walu stripe, ridge ]