go-devil

American  

[goh-dev-uhl] / ˈgoʊˌdɛv əl /

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 cultivator.  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.

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Etymology

Origin of go-devil

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

Painted and caparisoned in madcap masquerade, they leap down from their green go-devil and race through startled crowds like advance men for oncoming chaos.

From Time Magazine Archive

When the bustling, contradicting and confusion finally subsided, the wagon was stealthily pushed over the ridge, the hay fired and the blazing outfit, christened a go-devil, was started with a shout down the slope.

From Laramie Holds the Range by Spearman, Frank H. (Frank Hamilton)

“Well, this is running your westing down if anybody should ride up in a go-devil and ask you.”

From The Mutiny of the Elsinore by London, Jack

"The day isn't over," was the answer, "and I've got two big holes to drop the go-devil down."

From Jack Ranger's Western Trip Or, from Boarding School to Ranch and Range by Young, Clarence

"That's the go-devil," replied Bob; and then, as he saw that Ralph did not understand, he added: "It is to drop through the hole to explode the cartridges after they are placed in position."

From Ralph Gurney's Oil Speculation by Otis, James