PADDLE (3)

Pad″dle, n. [[See Paddle, v. i.]] 1. 1. An implement with a broad blade, which is used without a fixed fulcrum in propelling and steering canoes and boats.
2. 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. 3. One of the broad boards, or floats, at the circumference of a water wheel, or paddle wheel.
4. 4. A small gate in sluices or lock gates to admit or let off water; — also called clough.
5. 5. (Zoöl.) A paddle-shaped foot, as of the sea turtle.
6. 6. A paddle-shaped implement for stirring or mixing.
7. 7. [[In this sense prob. for older spaddle, a dim. of spade.]] See Paddle staff (b), below.
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. (b) A long-handled spade used to clean a plowshare; — called also plow staff. — 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.