Cordelle

/kɔːrˈdɛl/ noun

Definition

A rope or cord, especially one used in nautical or construction contexts; also a rope used in the cordelle technique of river boating.

Etymology

From French cordelle, diminutive of corde meaning 'rope.' The word entered English through maritime and French-influenced vocabulary.

Kelly Says

River boatmen developed cordelling—hauling boats upstream by walking on shore while attached to the boat with a cordelle rope—it's basically medieval human horsepower before steam engines.

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