channel2 (chanel)

[A corruption of chain wale, q. v. Cf. gunnel for gunwale.] In ship building, a plank of considerable thickne bolted edgewise to a ve el's side, nearly abreast of a mast, and serving to extend the shrouds of the lower rigging and keep them clear of the gunwale, the chainplates being carried through notches on its outer edge. Also called chain - wale and channel - board. channel3 (chanel), n. [Also channer2, chan ners; perhaps a particular use of channell, the bed of a river.] Gravel. [Scotch.] Shrouds extended on the Channel.