erroneous form of KEVEL sb.2
1627. Capt. Smith, Seaman’s Gram., ii. 7. Kneuels are small pieces of wood nailed to the inside of the ship, to belay the sheats and tackes vnto.
1678. Phillips (ed. 4), Knivels [1706 (ed. Kersey), Knevels or Kevels].
