Paddle wheel

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. (Zo["o]l.) 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]