wale

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   A ridge or low barrier.
2. 2
   A raised rib in knitted goods or fabric, especially corduroy.
3. 3
   The texture of a piece of fabric.
4. 4
   A horizontal ridge or ledge on the outside planking of a wooden ship. (See gunwale, chainwale)
5. 5
   A horizontal timber used for supporting or retaining earth.
6. 6
   A timber bolted to a row of piles to secure them together and in position.
7. 7
   A ridge on the outside of a horse collar.
8. 8
   A ridge or streak produced on skin by a cane or whip.
9. 9
   Something selected as being the best, preference; choice.

Verb

1. 1
   To strike the skin in such a way as to produce a wale or welt.
2. 2
   To beat a person, especially as punishment or out of anger.
3. 3
   To give a surface a texture of wales or welts.
4. 4
   To choose, select.

Proper noun

1. 1
   A surname.