A flat-bottomed cargo boat used on American rivers, especially the Mississippi, in the 18th and 19th centuries.
From 'broad' + 'horn,' possibly referring to the wide steering mechanism (horns) that protruded from the boat's stern. This distinctly American riverboat was immortalized in folk tales and early accounts of frontier commerce.
Broadhorns were one-way vessels—crews would take them downriver loaded with goods but couldn't easily go back upstream, so they'd dismantle the boat and sell the wood once they reached their destination. It was built-in obsolescence by design!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.