Naval Captain on the Poop Deck Taffrail, by William Heysmann Overend

Definition

Noun

  • The railing around the uppermost deck on the stern of a vessel (often on the poop or quarterdeck in earlier vessels).

Origin

17th century. Likely from the early Dutch word, tafereel, meaning panel or tablet.

Comments

Also pronounced “taffr’l.” These rails were often ornately carved or decorated.

References

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport.

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