cordelle

American  

[kawr-del] / kɔrˈdɛl /

noun

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

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verb (used with object)

cordelled, cordelling

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

Etymology

Origin of cordelle

1785–95; < French, diminutive of corde cord

Example Sentences

I would be gazing wide-mouthed at the cordelle men.

From The River and I by Neihardt, John G.

With much ado, with poles and cordelle, we made but five miles.

From Scenes and Andventures in the Semi-Alpine Region of the Ozark Mountains of Missouri and Arkansas by Schoolcraft, Henry Rowe

They made good time, but it was mostly cordelle work.

From The Young Alaskans on the Missouri by Hough, Emerson

We then recrossed the river, and, after ascending a distance along the western shore, were repulsed in an attempt, with the cordelle, to pass Garlic Point.

From Scenes and Andventures in the Semi-Alpine Region of the Ozark Mountains of Missouri and Arkansas by Schoolcraft, Henry Rowe

It’s because the shores were more open, so they could use the cordelle!

From The Young Alaskans on the Missouri by Hough, Emerson