rowlock

[ roh-lok; Nautical rol-uhk, ruhl- ]

noun

1. Architecture. one of several concentric rings of masonry forming an arch.
2. a brick laid on edge, especially as a header. Compare soldier ( def 7 ).
3. Chiefly British. oarlock.

rowlock

/ ˈrɒlək /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rowlock¹

1740–50; variant of oarlock; row ²

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

Carved, too, was the baling bowl, and the loom of the oar was carved in curving lines from rowlock leather to hand.

From Project Gutenberg

Then it won't slip out of the rowlock and sail off, leaving you to wait until somebody happens along to pick you up.

From Project Gutenberg

I bade her hand me hers, and she did it instantly, sliding it along to my rowlock and losing but a single stroke.

From Project Gutenberg

Joe noticed that the oars were muffled with sennit, and that even the rowlock sockets were protected with leather.

From Project Gutenberg