go-devil

[ goh-dev-uhl ]

noun

1. a flexible, jointed apparatus forced through a pipeline to free it from obstructions.
2. a dart dropped into a well, especially an oil well, to explode a charge of dynamite or nitroglycerin previously placed in a desired position.
3. Railroads. a handcar.
4. a sled used to drag or carry logs, stone, etc.
5. Also called sled cul·ti·va·tor [sled, kuhl-t, uh, -vey-ter]. a cultivator that rides on wooden runners and is used on listed furrows.
6. Western U.S. any exceptionally fast or effective machine or appliance:

   That food processor is a real go-devil.

Word History and Origins

Origin of go-devil¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

A traveling primer or "go-devil squib" was then prepared as follows: A tin cone, 14 in.

From Project Gutenberg

He lived a lucky-go-devil, who could squander in a night of debauch more than he could earn in a month of labor.

From Project Gutenberg

Generally get some visiting lady, when there's one round, to drop the Go-devil.

From Project Gutenberg

Maybe you're broke and know you'll have to work like a go-devil when you get here!

From Project Gutenberg

At night the Monarch was released from the “go-devil” and secured only by his chains to a large tree.

From Project Gutenberg