oarlock (orlok)

A rowlock. ter in rowing, and a rounded part called the loom, ending in a piece of le diameter than the rest, called the oar-propeller (or'pro-peler), n. A device to handle. The oar rests in a hole or indentation in the gunwale, called the rowlock or oar- lock, or between two pins called thole - pins, or in a metal rest or socket. The action of an oar in moving a boat is that of a lever, the rower's hand being the power and the water the fulcrum. Oars are frequently used for steering, as in whale-boats. In so moc he we hadde none other remedy but strake downe our boote and mannyd her with ores , wherwithall. Sir R. Guylforde, Pylgrymage, p. 68. This 'tis, sir, to teach you to be too busy, To covet all the gains, and all the rumours, To have a stirring oar in all men's actions. Fletcher, Spanish Curate, iv. 5. imitate by machinery the action of sculling. oarsman (ōrz'man), n.; pl. oarsmen (-men). [