Cordelled

/kɔːrˈdɛld/ verb

Definition

Past tense of cordelle: hauled or towed using a cordelle rope from the shore; or (as an adjective) moved by this method.

Etymology

From the verb cordelle, formed by adding the past tense suffix -ed. The technique and its terminology developed in French river navigation and spread to English-speaking regions.

Kelly Says

Boatmen who cordelled upstream through treacherous waters were athletes before the word existed—they'd harness themselves to ropes and literally pull multi-ton boats against strong currents for hours.

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