1. An implement with a broad blade, which is used without a fixed fulcrum in propelling and steering canoes and boats.
2. The broad part of a paddle, with which the stroke is made; hence, any short, broad blade, resembling that of a paddle. Thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon. (Deut. Xxiii. 13)
3. One of the broad boards, or floats, at the circumference of a water wheel, or paddle wheel.
4. A small gate in sluices or lock gates to admit or let off water; also called clough.
5. (Science: zoology) A paddle-shaped foot, as of the sea turtle.
6. A paddle-shaped implement for string or mixing.
7. this sense prob. For older spaddle, a dim. Of spade See Paddle staff (b), below. Paddle beam, one of two large timbers supporting the spring beam and paddle box of a steam vessel. Paddle board. See Paddle. Paddle box, the structure inclosing the upper part of the paddle wheel of a steam vessel. Paddle shaft, the revolving shaft which carries the paddle wheel of a steam vessel. Paddle staff. A staff tipped with a broad blade, used by mole catchers. A long-handled spade used to clean a plowshare; called also plow staff. Paddle steamer, a steam vessel propelled by paddle wheels, in distinction from a screw propeller. Paddle wheel, the propelling wheel of a steam vessel, having paddles (or floats) on its circumference, and revolving in a vertical plane parallel to the vessel’s length.