gondolet (gondolet)

[ of gondola, a gondola: see gondola.] A small That grand Canale, where (stately) once a yeare A fleete of bridall gondolets appeare. Dekker , London's Tempe. gondolier (gon-do-ler'), n . [Formerly also gon doleer ; = F. gondolier , gondoliere , gondola , a gondola: see gondola.] A man who rows a gondola. When there is but one, he stands at the stern; sometimes a second at the bow. Gondoliers were formerly celebrated for their songs, and are noted for the dexterity with which they manage their craft. I meane those seducing and tempting gondoleers of the Coryat, Crudities, I. 211. Rialto bridge. In Venice Ta o's echoes are no more, And silent rows the songle gondolier . Byron, Childe Harold, iv. 3.