shadoof

or sha·duf

[ shah-doof ]

noun

1. a device used in Egypt and other Eastern countries for raising water, especially for irrigation, consisting of a long suspended rod with a bucket at one end and a weight at the other.

shadoof

/ ʃəˈduːf /

noun

1. a mechanism for raising water, consisting of a pivoted pole with a bucket at one end and a counterweight at the other, esp as used in Egypt and the Near East

Word History and Origins

Origin of shadoof¹

First recorded in 1830–40, shadoof is from the Egyptian Arabic word shadūf

Word History and Origins

Origin of shadoof¹

C19: from Egyptian Arabic

Example Sentences

The men working at the 21 shadoof on the river brink have only a strip of cloth around their loins.

From Project Gutenberg

If he has stolen a shadoof or a plough, he shall give three shekels of silver.

From Project Gutenberg

Irrigation seems to go on more actively even than lower down; I saw to-day no less than twenty-four shadoofs all in a row, and in full play.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the most common sights along the Nile is the shadoof.

From Project Gutenberg

Here we began to see small herds of brown buffaloes, and peasants plying the irrigating buckets of the shadoof.

From Project Gutenberg