Definition of brails:
(n) :
(nautical) A small rope used to truss up sails.
(v) :
To reef, shorten or strike sail using brails.
(n) :
(theater) A rope or line used to suspend lights or scenery in a certain position.
(n) :
(falconry) A thong of soft leather to bind up a hawk's wing.
(n) :
(in the plural) The feathers around a hawk's rump.
(n) :
A stock at each end of a seine to keep it stretched.