n.
Pronunciation: ' br ā l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English brayle, from Anglo-French braiel belt, strap, brail, alteration of Old French braiuel belt, probably ultimately from Latin braca pants ― more at BREECH
Date: 15th century
1 : a rope fastened to the leech of a sail and used for hauling the sail up or in
2 : a dip net with which fish are hauled aboard a boat from a purse seine or trap