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gunwale

/ˈɡʌn(ə)l/
(also gunnel)
noun
often gunwales
The upper edge or planking of the side of a boat or ship.

Phrases
to the gunwales
informal So as to be almost overflowing.

Origin
Late Middle English: from gun + wale (because it was formerly used to support guns).

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Todd rarely rested gun barrels on the gunwales of his rowboat. He did use them regularly to rest his oars in rowlocks, though.