boat hook

American  

noun

1. a hook mounted at the end of a pole, used to pull or push boats toward or away from a landing, to pick up a mooring, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of boat hook

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

That seems like a contradiction until you open one of his books, where you’ll find bloody boat hooks and machete-wielding serial killers and decapitated heads in the fridge.

From New York Times

The man nearly overbalanced, but held on to the rail and swung the boat hook round in another attempt.

From Literature

In a man-overboard drill, it took me three tries to snag a life ring named “Frank” with a boat hook as one of my fellow students, with great effort, got me within reach.

From Washington Post

Staff on the Millennium Diamond used a boat hook to grab her clothing.

From The Guardian

The list is endless: ladders, boat hooks, looms, crutches, umbrella handles, bell stays in church towers, catapults, and arrows.

From National Geographic