forepole

[ noun fawr-pohl, fohr-; verb fawr-pohl, fohr- ]

noun

1. Also called spile, spill. any of a number of boards or timbers driven forward on top of a set to protect miners lengthening a tunnel from falling debris.

verb (used with object)

, fore·poled, fore·pol·ing.

1. to reinforce (the end of an excavated tunnel) with forepoles.

Word History and Origins

Origin of forepole¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75; fore- + pole ¹

Example Sentences

The earth, now warm, shifted; the first forepole slipped; loose rock fell from the face of the tunnel and caused a shield to give way.

From Literature