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.

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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

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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

Anna paddled her way dexterously out from among the fleet of boats riding at anchor in the little bay; then she seated herself, adjusted one oar, and looked about for the other rowlock.

From Silver Pitchers: and Independence A Centennial Love Story by Alcott, Louisa May

Thus the topmost oars of the tesseraconteres, of which the length was 53 feet, were exactly balanced at the rowlock.

From Boating by Woodgate, W. B.

A rowlock may be too high or too low; it may rake one way or other, and so spoil the plane of the oar in the water.

From Boating by Woodgate, W. B.

If the oars are pulled in rowlocks, the bottom of the rowlock is to be considered as the gunwale in measuring the depth of the boat.

From Loss of the Steamship 'Titanic' by Government, British