1. the upper part of a ship’s stern, especially the flat surface at the back
Usage: nautical; archaic

Examples

• The sailors gathered at the tafferels to watch the sunset.
• Ornate carvings decorated the ship’s tafferels.
• The captain stood by the tafferels, observing the wake behind the vessel.
• Historical warships often featured elaborate tafferels with gold leaf.
• The tafferels provided a good vantage point for spotting other ships.