rowlock
(ˈrʌlək, ˈrɒlək)
Forms: α. 8 rowluck, 8– rowlock. β. 9 rollock, rullock.
[Prob. an alteration (after row v.1) of the earlier oarlock.
The etymological pron. (ˈrəʊlɒk) is recognized by many Dictionaries, in some cases without mention of the usual forms.]
a. A contrivance or device, usually consisting of a notch, two thole-pins, or a rounded fork, on the gunwale of a boat, forming a fulcrum for the oar in rowing.
| α 1750 T. R. Blanckley Nav. Expos. 138 Rowlucks, are spaces left on the Gunwale, where two Thoals are let in at such a Distance from each other, as to admit the Oar, at the End of the Loom to lie on, for rowing the Boat. 1769 Falconer Dict. Marine (1780) s.v. Oar, In large vessels, this station is usually called the row-port; but in lighters and boats it is always termed the row-lock. 1857 P. Colquhoun Oarsman's Guide 29 The rowlock is composed of 3 parts; the thouel, against which you row; the stopper which is opposite to it; and the filling on which the oar rests. 1878 Jefferies Gamekeeper at H. 107 The regular sound of oars against the tholepins or rowlocks of a boat. |
| β 1821 Shelley Let. Prose Wks. 1888 II. 326 The rullock, or place for the oar,..ought to be nearer to the mast. 1834 M. Scott Cruise Midge (1859) 355 We distinctly heard..the rumble of the rollocks. 1864 Rawlinson Anc. Mon. Assyria vii. 177 Assyrian vessels had no rullocks. |
b. attrib., as
rowlock-filling,
rowlock-leather,
rowlock-pin,
rowlock-plate.
| 1840 Penny Cycl. XVIII. 395 In those ribands are fixed row⁓lock pins. 1853 Hickie Aristoph. (Bohn) I. 6 A rowlock⁓leather you have..about your eye. 1857 P. Colquhoun Oarsman's Guide 12 Box-wood and brass have been tried for the rowlock filling. c 1860 H. Stuart Seaman's Catech. 7 Ship the rowlock plates. |