toprail

[ top-reyl ]

noun

1. the uppermost rail of the back of a chair or the like; a crest rail.

Word History and Origins

Origin of toprail¹

First recorded in 1670–80; top ¹ + rail ¹

Example Sentences

Another has a toprail of a whole tree, so broad and thick no one can possibly straddle it, so some friend of humanity has broken the second rail, and you creep under.

From Project Gutenberg

The lifeboat's head was, therefore, pointed at the stern of the wreck, which was leaning over hard to starboard, and the lifeboatmen shouted to the crew, some in the rigging and some clutching the weather toprail, to 'come on and take our line.'

From Project Gutenberg

And then finding the poor French boy was indeed lost and swept overboard, alone he passed the rope round the nearly insensible man, protecting and holding him as the seas came; and finally watching when the vessel listed in, alone he got him on the toprail of the bulwarks, with an exertion of superhuman strength, and then, with shouts to the people ashore, 'Are you ready?' and 'I'm a-coming!' threw Holbrooke, in spite of himself, into the sea; and both were safely drawn ashore.

From Project Gutenberg

As he rode near he saw Jones sitting on the stockyard toprail, apparently enjoying an evening pipe.

From Project Gutenberg