Definition of "wale" in English

noun

1. A ridge or low barrier.

2. A raised rib in knitted goods or fabric, especially corduroy.

3. The texture of a piece of fabric.

4. (nautical) A horizontal ridge or ledge on the outside planking of a wooden ship. (See gunwale, chainwale)

5. A horizontal timber used for supporting or retaining earth.

6. A timber bolted to a row of piles to secure them together and in position.

7. A ridge on the outside of a horse collar.

8. A ridge or streak produced on skin by a cane or whip.

verb

1. To strike the skin in such a way as to produce a wale or welt.

2. To beat a person, especially as punishment or out of anger.

3. To give a surface a texture of wales or welts.

noun

1. (Scotland, Northern England) Something selected as being the best, preference; choice.

verb

1. (Scotland, Northern England) To choose, select.