To muffle the oars

Oar Oar ([=o]r), n [AS. [=a]r; akin to Icel. [=a]r, Dan. aare, Sw. [*a]ra; perh. akin to E. row, v. Cf. {Rowlock}.] [1913 Webster] 1. An implement for impelling a boat, being a slender piece of timber, usually ash or spruce, with a grip or handle at one end and a broad blade at the other. The part which rests in the rowlock is called the loom. [1913 Webster]

Note: An oar is a kind of long paddle, which swings about a kind of fulcrum, called a rowlock, fixed to the side of the boat. [1913 Webster]

2. An oarsman; a rower; as, he is a good oar. [1913 Webster]

3. (Zo["o]l.) An oarlike swimming organ of various invertebrates. [1913 Webster]

{Oar cock} (Zo["o]l.), the water rail. [Prov. Eng.]

{Spoon oar}, an oar having the blade so curved as to afford a better hold upon the water in rowing.

{To boat the oars}, to cease rowing, and lay the oars in the boat.

{To feather the oars}. See under {Feather}., v. t.

{To lie on the oars}, to cease pulling, raising the oars out of water, but not boating them; to cease from work of any kind; to be idle; to rest.

{To muffle the oars}, to put something round that part which rests in the rowlock, to prevent noise in rowing.

{To put in one's oar}, to give aid or advice; -- commonly used of a person who obtrudes aid or counsel not invited.

{To ship the oars}, to place them in the rowlocks.

{To toss the oars}, To peak the oars, to lift them from the rowlocks and hold them perpendicularly, the handle resting on the bottom of the boat.

{To trail oars}, to allow them to trail in the water alongside of the boat.

{To unship the oars}, to take them out of the rowlocks. [1913 Webster]