go-devil

[goh-dev-uhl]

noun

1. a flexible, jointed apparatus forced through a pipeline to free it from obstructions.

2. a dart dropped into a well, especially an oil well, to explode a charge of dynamite or nitroglycerin previously placed in a desired position.

3. Railroads.,  a handcar.

4. a sled used to drag or carry logs, stone, etc.

5. Also called sled cultivator. a cultivator that rides on wooden runners and is used on listed furrows.

6. Western U.S.,  any exceptionally fast or effective machine or appliance.

   That food processor is a real go-devil.

Word History and Origins

Origin of go-devil¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35