oar-lock
Definition
Noun: A device, typically a U-shaped metal or wooden fitting, attached to the side of a boat or gunwale, in which an oar is placed and pivoted during rowing.
Usage Examples
- (The oar was placed in the metal fitting on the boat's side.)
- (The fitting groaned as the oar moved back and forth.)
- (The pivot point is essential for effective rowing.)
Advanced Usage
"to ship oars in the oar-lock": a nautical phrase meaning to place the oars into the rowlocks ready for use.
- The crew shipped their oars in the oar-locks at the starting signal. (The rowers placed their oars into the fittings to begin the race.)
"oar-lock leather": a piece of leather used to wrap the oar where it contacts the oar-lock, reducing friction and wear.
- He replaced the worn oar-lock leather to prevent the oar from chafing. (The leather cushion was changed to protect the oar.)
Variants and Related Words
- Oar-lock (n): alternative spelling without a hyphen; same meaning.
- Rowlock (n): a common synonym, especially in British English, for a U-shaped fitting for an oar.
- The rowlock was broken, so they had to use a makeshift oar-lock. (The fitting was damaged.)
Synonyms
- Rowlock: the standard term in British English for the same device.
- Thole: a wooden pin or peg used as a simple oar-lock, often in traditional or small boats.
- The fisherman used a thole instead of a metal oar-lock. (A wooden peg served as the pivot.)
Related Idioms
"to be in the oar-lock": to be in a position of steady, repetitive work (metaphorical, from rowing).
- After years in the same job, he felt stuck in the oar-lock. (He felt trapped in a monotonous routine.)
"to ship an oar in a different oar-lock": to change one's approach or position in a cooperative effort.
- The team decided to ship an oar in a different oar-lock by reassigning roles. (They adjusted their strategy.)