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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rowlock

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

Oar′lap, a rabbit with its ears standing out at right-angles to the head; Oar′-lock, a rowlock; Oars′man, one who rows with an oar; Oars′manship, skill in rowing.—adj.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various

The moment it was released, the provoking bit of wood, as though possessed of a malicious instinct, slid from its rowlock, dropped into the water, and floated away.

From Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast by Kirk Munroe

If he rolls, his one blade or other floats in the water, and being strung over at the rowlock, cannot well let his boat turn over, so long as he holds on to the handle.

From Boating by W. B. Woodgate

Shipping his oars, he began to row, using infinite care lest creaking rowlock or splashing blade betray him.

From Jim Spurling, Fisherman or Making Good by Albert Walter Tolman

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