n.
Pronunciation: ' w ā l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English walu; akin to Old Norse v ỏ lr staff and perhaps to Old Norse valr round, Latin volvere to roll ― more at VOLUBLE
Date: before 12th century
1 a : a streak or ridge made on the skin especially by the stroke of a whip : WEAL b : a narrow raised surface : RIDGE
2 : any of a number of strakes usually of extra thick and strong planks in the sides of a wooden ship ― usually used in plural
3 a : one of a series of even ribs in a fabric b : the texture especially of a fabric
4 : a horizontal constructional member (as of timber or steel) used for bracing vertical members