sampan

noun

1. any of various small boats of the Far East, as one propelled by a single scull over the stern and provided with a roofing of mats.

noun

1. any small skiff, widely used in the Orient, that is propelled by oars or a scull

n.light Chinese boat, 1610s, from Chinese san pan, literally “three boards,” from san “three” + pan “plank.”