Definition of "brail"

(nautical) A small rope used to truss up sails.  examples

(falconry) A thong of soft leather to bind up a hawk's wing.  examples

A stock at each end of a seine to keep it stretched.  examples

(theater) A rope or line used to suspend lights or scenery in a certain position.  examples

(in the plural) The feathers around a hawk's rump.  examples

To reef, shorten or strike sail using brails.  quotations  examples