rowlock

American  

[roh-lok, rol-uhk, ruhl-] / ˈroʊˌlɒk, ˈrɒl ək, ˈrʌl- /

noun

1. Architecture. one of several concentric rings of masonry forming an arch.

2. a brick laid on edge, especially as a header.

3. Chiefly British. oarlock.

---

rowlock British  

/ ˈrɒlək /

noun

1. Usual US and Canadian word: oarlock.  a swivelling device attached to the gunwale of a boat that holds an oar in place and acts as a fulcrum during rowing

---

Etymology

Origin of rowlock

1740–50; variant of oarlock; see row ²

Example Sentences

Bono had, through his exertions—the boat being well nigh intractable, now swamped—snapped off the rowlock and a stave of the gunwale, wet with rot.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

With perfect composure he seized the large scull-oar, placed it in the stern rowlock and pulled with all his strength, which was considerable, to turn the bow down stream.

From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, Vol. 26, October, 1880 by Various

As Constans paddled out into the stream he heard the steady thumping of oars in rowlock.

From The Doomsman by Sutphen, Van Tassel

This causes the greater force of the stroke to be applied behind the rowlock, in contradiction of all old theories of fixed-seat oarsmanship.

From Boating by Woodgate, W. B.

If a man sits square, with correct oar, rowlock, and stretcher, he does not naturally screw.

From Boating by Woodgate, W. B.