from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
yawl \yawl\ (y[add]l), n. [D. jol; akin to LG. & Dan. jolle, Sw.
julle. Cf. {Jolly-boat}.]
1. (Naut.) A small ship's boat, usually rowed by four or six
oars. [Written also {yaul}.]
[1913 Webster]
2. A fore-and-aft-rigged vessel with two masts, a mainmast
carrying a mainsail and jibs, taller than the mizzenmast
and stepped a little farther forward than in a {sloop},
and with the mizzenmast, or jiggermast far aft, usually
placed aft of the water line or aft the rudder post. The
mizzenmast of a yawl is smaller, and set further aft, than
that of a {sloop}.
[Webster 1913 Suppl. +RDH]