I. ˈwāl noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English walu; akin to Old Norse vǫlr 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
II. transitive verb
( waled ; wal·ing )
Date: 15th century
: to mark (as the skin) with welts
III. noun
Etymology: Middle English (Scots & northern dialect) wal, from Old Norse val; akin to Old High German wala choice, Old English wyllan to wish — more at will
Date: 14th century
1. dialect British : choice
2. dialect British : the best part : pick
IV. verb
Date: 14th century
dialect British : choose