taffrail

noun

Etymology: From either tafferel or aft rail, by false alteration.

1. The curved wooden top of the stern of a sailing man-of-war or East Indiaman, usually carved or decorated.
2. The rail around the stern of a ship.

   “One evening, leaning over the taffrail, I observed a very singular, isolated cloud, to the N.W.”

   “[…] with heavy, lumber-like pace he was measuring the ship from taffrail to mainmast […]”

3. The deck area at the stern of a vessel.