wale

1. A ridge or low barrier.
2. A raised rib in knit goods or fabric, especially corduroy. (As opposed to course).
3. The texture of a piece of fabric.
4. A horizontal ridge or ledge on the outside planking of a wooden ship. (See gunwale, chainwale)
5. A horizontal timber used for supporting or retaining earth.
6. A timber bolted to a row of piles to secure them together and in position.
7. A ridge on the outside of a horse collar.
8. A ridge or streak produced on skin by a cane or whip.

1. To strike the skin in such a way as to produce a wale or welt.
2. To give a surface a texture of wales or welts.

noun

Something selected as being the best, preference; choice.

verb

To choose, select.