shadoof

or sha·duf

[ shah-doof ]

noun

1. a device used in Egypt and other Eastern countries for raising water, especially for irrigation, consisting of a long suspended rod with a bucket at one end and a weight at the other.

shadoof

/ ʃəˈduːf /

noun

1. a mechanism for raising water, consisting of a pivoted pole with a bucket at one end and a counterweight at the other, esp as used in Egypt and the Near East

Word History and Origins

Origin of shadoof¹

First recorded in 1830–40, shadoof is from the Egyptian Arabic word shadūf

Word History and Origins

Origin of shadoof¹

C19: from Egyptian Arabic

Example Sentences

The man who works the shadoof stands near the water's edge, below the slender arm of the balance.

From Project Gutenberg

Drawing water with the aid of the shadoof is said to be very hard work, especially in so hot a country as Egypt.

From Project Gutenberg

This is the shadoof, the same which was used in the time of Moses.

From Project Gutenberg

A shadoof, such as may be seen on the Nile, serves to draw water to irrigate the gardens.

From Project Gutenberg

The men working at the 21 shadoof on the river brink have only a strip of cloth around their loins.

From Project Gutenberg