gunwale

[ guhn-l ]

/ ˈgʌn l /

the upper edge of the side or bulwark of a vessel.

the sheer strake of a wooden vessel; the uppermost strake beneath the plank-sheer.

Origin of gunwale

1325–75; Middle English. See gun¹, wale¹; a plank so called because guns were set upon it

gunter, gunter rig, gunter's chain, gunther, guntur, gunwale, gunyah, guo moruo, guppy, gupta, gur

Priscilla leaned over the gunwale and stared long at the boat which Frank pointed out.

Priscilla's Spies |George A. Birmingham
It came in heavy gusts, the Goldwing careening until her gunwale went under at every flaw.

All Adrift |Oliver Optic
The men have to put their shoulders under the gunwale, and heave and strain with all their might.

Sport and Work on the Nepaul Frontier |James Inglis
Whether she heard him, or by chance, Miss Drake came quietly from within, and found a place between him and the gunwale.

Dragon's blood |Henry Milner Rideout

With some trouble he got to his knees, and the top of a wave that washed across the gunwale struck his face.

The Coast of Adventure |Harold Bindloss

gunwale

/ (ˈɡʌnəl) /

nautical the top of the side of a boat or the topmost plank of a wooden vessel

full to the gunwales completely full; full to overflowing