{ } n. [ See Spale & Spall. ] (Shipbuilding) One of the temporary wooden braces, placed horizontally across a frame to hold it in position until the deck beams are in; a cross-pawl. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Cf. Spell a splinter. ] 1. A lath; a shaving or chip, as of wood or stone. [ Prov. Eng. & Scot. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Shipbuilding) A strengthening cross timber. [ 1913 Webster ]