oarlock

noun

1. any of various devices providing a pivot for an oar in rowing, especially a swiveling, crutchlike or ringlike metal device projecting above a gunwale.

noun

1. US and Canadian a swivelling device attached to the gunwale of a boat that holds an oar in place and acts as a fulcrum during rowingAlso called: rowlock

n.mid-14c., from oar + lock (n.1).