A type of fishing boat used especially in the English Channel; a small fishing vessel.
Of uncertain origin, possibly from a place name or personal name, or related to the verb bawl (from the noise of the fishing activity or fish). The term appears in maritime English and nautical records, particularly for Channel fishing communities.
Bawley is a perfect example of how fishing communities had their own specialized vocabulary—each type of boat and net had specific names that meant everything to fishermen but mean almost nothing to landlocked people today!
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