A small, flat-bottomed fishing boat used especially on the coasts of England and Scotland.
From Middle Low German or Dutch 'kobbel,' related to Old Norse 'kobbi' (seal). The word entered English around the 15th century through maritime trade, describing the distinctive vessel type used in northern European fishing.
The coble's flat bottom made it perfect for beaching on sandy shores without a harbor, which allowed fishermen in remote coastal areas to launch and land boats independently—a revolutionary advantage in fishing communities.
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