Paddle \Pad"dle\, v. i. [Prob. for pattle, and a dim. of pat, v.; cf. also E. pad to tread, Prov. G. paddeln, padden, to walk with short steps, to paddle, G. patschen to splash, dash, dabble, F. patouiller to dabble, splash, fr. patte a paw. ?.]

1. To use the hands or fingers in toying; to make caressing strokes. [Obs.]

--Shak.

2. To dabble in water with hands or feet; to use a paddle, or something which serves as a paddle, in swimming, in paddling a boat, etc.

As the men were paddling for their lives. --L'Estrange.

While paddling ducks the standing lake desire. --Gay.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Paddle \Pad"dle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Paddled; p. pr. & vb. n. Paddling]

1. To pat or stroke amorously, or gently.

To be paddling palms and pinching fingers. --Shak.

2. To propel with, or as with, a paddle or paddles.

3. To pad; to tread upon; to trample. [Prov. Eng.]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Paddle \Pad"dle\, n. [See Paddle, v. i.]

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. (Zo["o]l.) A paddle-shaped foot, as of the sea turtle.

6. A paddle-shaped implement for string or mixing.

7. [In this sense prob. for older spaddle, a dim. of spade.]

See Paddle staff (b), below. [Prov. Eng.]

Paddle beam (Shipbuilding), one of two large timbers supporting the spring beam and paddle box of a steam vessel.

Paddle board. See Paddle, n., 3.

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) A staff tipped with a broad blade, used by mole catchers. [Prov. Eng.]


   (b) A long-handled spade used to clean a plowshare; -- called also plow staff. [Prov. Eng.]

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)