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

Example Sentences

When he could no longer travel by truck, he revved up the engine of his shallow-water GO-DEVIL boat and continued his rescue operation.

From Los Angeles Times

The splendid set pieces of the book explain the intricate classic art of building a log cabin, notch by hand-hewn notch, the principles of stone chimney construction, the shingles split from the white oak log with wedges, go-devil, maul and froe.

From Time Magazine Archive

Painted and caparisoned in madcap masquerade, they leap down from their green go-devil and race through startled crowds like advance men for oncoming chaos.

From Time Magazine Archive

The primary power is one of those Go-Devil motors that can get through most everything.

From Time Magazine Archive

A ‘go-devil’ let loose too soon and blinded him.”

From Project Gutenberg