noun
or gun·nel also gun·whale ˈgən ə l
( -s )
Etymology: gunwhale & gunnel from Middle English gonnewale, from gonne, gunne gun + wale; gunwhale by folk etymology from gunwale; from its former use as a support for guns — more at wale
1.
a. : the part of a vessel where topsides and deck meet
b. : the upper edge of the side or the rail of a small boat (as a canoe)
2. : a fore-and-aft member lying on or against the heads of the frames and inside the upper strake in boatbuilding — see inwale
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- gunwale down