oarlock

[awr-lok, ohr-]

noun

1. any of various devices providing a pivot for an oar in rowing, especially a swiveling, crutchlike or ringlike metal device projecting above a gunwale.

oarlock

/ ˈɔːˌlɒk /

noun

1. Also called: rowlock. a swivelling device attached to the gunwale of a boat that holds an oar in place and acts as a fulcrum during rowing

Word History and Origins

Origin of oarlock¹

before 1100; Middle English orlok, Old English ārloc. See oar, lock ¹

Example Sentences

Next, using that remarkable, newly discovered tool, his rodent teeth, he made two long oars, or sweeps, which he placed in notches he had gnawed out for oarlocks.

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Rowing, or crew, uses rowing oars that are attached to a boat using oarlocks, unlike paddles, which are unattached.

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But see him now, his taut arms and tight fists gripping the oars, balanced in their oarlocks.

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Just the slow periodic rack and shuffle of the oarlocks.

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As I bent to the oarlock a weakness ran all through my body.

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