oarhole

English

Alternative forms

• oar-hole

Etymology

From Middle English ore hol, equivalent to oar +‎ hole.

Noun

oarhole (plural oarholes)

1. (nautical) a slot or opening in the side of a galley or ship through which an oar is fitted
   • 2016, William R. Short, Icelanders in the Viking Age:

     Oarholes were sealed when not in use by wooden covers that rotated in place to keep out water. A slot cut into the oarhole allowed the blade of the oar to pass through the oarhole so oars could be deployed entirely inboard of the ship.

See also

• rowlock