rowlock

[ roh-lok; Nautical rol-uhk, ruhl- ]

noun

1. Architecture. one of several concentric rings of masonry forming an arch.
2. a brick laid on edge, especially as a header. Compare soldier ( def 7 ).
3. Chiefly British. oarlock.

rowlock

/ ˈrɒlək /

noun

1. a swivelling device attached to the gunwale of a boat that holds an oar in place and acts as a fulcrum during rowing Usual US and Canadian wordoarlock

Word History and Origins

Origin of rowlock¹

1740–50; variant of oarlock; row ²

Example Sentences

Bono had, through his exertions—the boat being well nigh intractable, now swamped—snapped off the rowlock and a stave of the gunwale, wet with rot.

From Literature

On rowlock brick, like you see under your door threshold, the problem is even more severe because the mortar joints are facing the sky.

From Washington Post

My father hurriedly looked around for a pair but then, further off, saw a wooden "pram" dinghy, its oars still in its rowlocks.

From BBC

The listening men obeyed him, climbing in to settle on their benches by the rowlocks, while he stood watchful by the stern.

From Literature

And the sound of the regular sweep, and the shifting beat of the oar against the rowlocks, was distinctly heard by all present.

From Project Gutenberg