Paddle

Pad′dle (păd′d'l), 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. √21.] 1. To use the hands or fingers in toying; to make caressing strokes. [Obs.] Shak.

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.

As the men were paddling for their lives. L'Estrange.

While paddling ducks the standing lake desire. Gay.

Pad′dle, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Paddled; p. pr. & vb. n. Paddling] 1. To pat or stroke amorously, or gently.

To be paddling palms and pinching fingers. Shak.

2. To propel with, or as with, a paddle or paddles.

3. To pad; to tread upon; to trample. [Prov. Eng.]

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.

2. The broad part of a paddle, with which the stroke is made; hence, any short, broad blade, resembling that of a paddle.

Thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon. Deut. xxiii. 13.

3. One of the broad boards, or floats, at the circumference of a water wheel, or paddle wheel.

4. A small gate in sluices or lock gates to admit or let off water; — also called clough.

5. (Zoöl.) A paddle-shaped foot, as of the sea turtle.

6. A paddle-shaped implement for stirring or mixing.

7. [In this sense prob. for older spaddle, a dim. of spade.] See Paddle staff (b), below. [Prov. Eng.]

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 box, the structure inclosing the upper part of the paddle wheel of a steam vessel. — 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.