1815 W. BurneyFalconer's New Universal Dict. Marine (rev. ed.) Kevel-Heads, the ends of the top timbers, which, rising above the gun-wale, serve to belay the ropes, or take a round turn to hold on.
1850 J. GreenwoodSailor's Sea-bk. 98 Blocks for the..lifts..are kevel-headed blocks.