Dictionary definitions
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paddle
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Paddle \Pad"dle\, n. [See Paddle, v. i.] 1. An implement with a broad blade, which is used without a fixed fulcrum in propelling and steering canoes and boats. [1913 Webster] 2. The broad part of a paddle, with which the stroke is made; hence, any short, broad blade, resembling that of a paddle, such as that used in table tennis. [1913 Webster] Thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon. --Deut. xxiii. 13. [1913 Webster] 3. One of the broad boards, or floats, at the circumference of a water wheel, or paddle wheel. [1913 Webster] 4. A small gate in sluices or lock gates to admit or let off water; -- also called clough. [1913 Webster] 5. (Zool.) A paddle-shaped foot, as of the sea turtle. [1913 Webster] 6. A paddle-shaped implement for stirring or mixing. [1913 Webster] 7. [In this sense prob. for older spaddle, a dim. of spade.] See Paddle staff (b), below. [Prov. Eng.] [1913 Webster] Paddle beam (Shipbuilding), one of two large timbers supporting the spring beam and paddle box of a steam vessel. Paddle board. See Paddle, n., 3. Paddle shaft, the revolving shaft which carries the paddle wheel of a steam vessel. Paddle staff. (a) A staff tipped with a broad blade, used by mole catchers. [Prov. Eng.] (b) A long-handled spade used to clean a plowshare; -- called also plow staff. [Prov. Eng.] Paddle steamer, a steam vessel propelled by paddle wheels, in distinction from a screw propeller. Paddle wheel, the propelling wheel of a steam vessel, having paddles (or floats) on its circumference, and revolving in a vertical plane parallel to the vessel's length. [1913 Webster] paddlebox .
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Paddle \Pad"dle\, v. i. [Prob. for pattle, and a dim. of pat,
v.; cf. also E. pad to tread, Prov. G. paddeln, padden, to
walk with short steps, to paddle, G. patschen to splash,
dash, dabble, F. patouiller to dabble, splash, fr. patte a
paw. [root]21.]
1. To use the hands or fingers in toying; to make caressing
strokes. [Obs.] --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. To dabble in water with hands or feet; to use a paddle, or
something which serves as a paddle, in swimming, in
paddling a boat, etc.
[1913 Webster]
As the men were paddling for their lives.
--L'Estrange.
[1913 Webster]
While paddling ducks the standing lake desire.
--Gay.
[1913 Webster]
.
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Paddle \Pad"dle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Paddled; p. pr. & vb. n. Paddling] 1. To pat or stroke amorously, or gently. [Obsolescent] [1913 Webster] To be paddling palms and pinching fingers. --Shak. [1913 Webster] 2. To propel with, or as with, a paddle or paddles. [1913 Webster] 3. To pad; to tread upon; to trample. [Prov. Eng.] [1913 Webster] 4. To spank with a paddle or as if with a paddle; -- usually as a disciplinary punishment of children. [PJC] 5. To mix (a viscous liquid) by stirring or beating with a paddle. [PJC]

