coble

[ koh-buhl ]

noun

1. a flat-bottomed fishing boat with a lugsail, used mainly in northern England and Scotland for salmon.

coble

/ ˈkəʊbəl; ˈkɒbəl /

noun

1. a small single-masted flat-bottomed fishing boat

Word History and Origins

Origin of coble¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English cobel; probably of Celtic origin (compare Welsh ceubal, ceubol “skiff, ferryboat”), ultimately from Late Latin caupulus, caupilus “small sailing vessel with a high prow”

Word History and Origins

Origin of coble¹

C13: probably of Celtic origin; compare Welsh ceubal skiff

Example Sentences

If it were not too late,” I cried with indignation, “I would take the coble and go out to warn them.

From Project Gutenberg

How boldly he steered the coble across the foaming bar, When the sky was black to the eastward and the breakers white on the scar!

From Project Gutenberg

Through the foaming seas, which threatened every moment to overwhelm the little coble, they pulled off to the wreck.

From Project Gutenberg

A rope was bent on to the stern, and the crowd quickly hauled the coble away from the heavy surf into safety.

From Project Gutenberg

Meanwhile, a coble sails almost peacefully alongside their ill-fated craft.

From Project Gutenberg