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alligator
[< imagined resemblance to an alligator in movement, amphibious character, etc.]
Lumbering
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
1n. — Hist.
a scow-like raft equipped with a winch and cable, used for towing or hauling logs, breaking up jams, etc.
Quotations
1947
There, the individual logs would be moved across by primitive "alligators." A raft . . . served instead of a modern tug for this purpose. A team of horses was hitched to a windlass in the centre of the raft [and] walked round and round in order to wind up the rope that gradually hauled the raft to the spot where the anchor had previously been dropped.
1950
The winches aboard the scow-like alligators pulled craft, logs and all up to the anchor.
2n.
See 1963 quote. Also called alligator boat.
Quotations
1909
The alligator boat plying between the Georgian Bay and inland camps will be needed here soon.
1957
The logs are towed and driven by four alligators, boats especially designed to be at home in this rugged country.
1963
Alligator: A small gasoline-powered boat used to break log jams on river drives or to transport men and supplies, or to assist in forming the logs into a raft for towing.
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