cordelle

[ kawr-del ]

/ kɔrˈdɛl /

Save This Word!

noun

a heavy rope formerly used for towing boats on rivers in Canada and the U.S.

verb (used with object), cor·delled, cor·dell·ing.

to tow (a boat) by means of a cordelle.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of cordelle

1785–95; <French, diminutive of cordecord

Words nearby cordelle

corded, Cordele, Cordelia, Cordelier, Cordeliers, cordelle, cord foot, cordgrass, cordial, cordiality, cordially

How to use cordelle in a sentence

We were compelled to cordelle our boat, and sometimes lift it over the rocks for several rods.
Early Western Travels 1748-1846, Volume XXX|Joel Palmer
Farther up the stream she thought she could discern the party in the yawl, striving to reach shore with the cumbersome cordelle.
A Dream of Empire|William Henry Venable
When sail and oar and setting-pole proved unavailing, the men were out and overboard, running the banks with the cordelle.
The Magnificent Adventure|Emerson Hough
With much ado, with poles and cordelle, we made but five miles.
Scenes and Adventures in the Semi-Alpine Region of the Ozark Mountains of Missouri and Arkansas|Henry Rowe Schoolcraft

The cordelle was a rope, often several hundred yards long, by means of which men towed boats up rapid streams.
Early Western Travels 1748-1846, Volume XIV|Edwin James