cordelle

[ kawr-del ]

noun

1. 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.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cordelle¹

1785–95; < French, diminutive of corde cord

Example Sentences

We were compelled to cordelle our boat, and sometimes lift it over the rocks for several rods.

From Project Gutenberg

Farther up the stream she thought she could discern the party in the yawl, striving to reach shore with the cumbersome cordelle.

From Project Gutenberg

When sail and oar and setting-pole proved unavailing, the men were out and overboard, running the banks with the cordelle.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

The cordelle was a rope, often several hundred yards long, by means of which men towed boats up rapid streams.

From Project Gutenberg