Page 1. (A thru E)
We have used a few terms in our tale that may not be familiar to some readers so thought it might be helpful to include a brief Canalictionary.
Accommodation Bridge:- [Photo]
A bridge that "accommodated" a farmer when his land became divided because of the canal. These can be humped stone or brick constructions; swing bridges or lift bridges.
Aqueducts:-
Structures that carry the canal over roads, rivers, streams, railway lines and other canals. They keep the canal level, thereby saving water and avoiding the need for locks
Balance Beam:-
A beam projecting from a lock gate which balances its weight, and is used as a lever to open and close the gate. Normally constructed of wood or steel, occasionally cast iron, and painted black with the ends picked out in white.
Barge:-
A term including a variety of vessels, both sailing and non-sailing, in use for canal or river traffic, whose beam is approximately twice that of a narrow boat.
Boatman's Cabin:-
On working narrow boats it is/was the 8' long living quarter's of the crew and family. On some modern boats it has been recreated as an aft annex to the main cabin.
Bowthruster or Bow-prop:-
As it applies to narrow boats: a small engine located in the bow that aides in maneuvering in confined areas.
Buckby Can:-[Photo]
A colorfully painted water can, normally kept on the roof of the cabin. Originally sold by an insignificant little shop standing beside Buckby top lock.
Butty Boat:-
A boat working in company with another boat. Generally applied to a non-motorized boat that is towed by a motorized boat.
Canaloholic, Canalology and Canalictionary:-
Nice sounding words that "yours truly" made up.
Cratch
Originally the fodder store on horse-drawn boats, quite often used as the sleeping quarters for the boatman's children. Cratch is derived from the french word "creche", meaning cradle. On modern boats the term is used to describe a soft covered assembly over the forward deck.
Cut:-
A boatman's colloquial term for a canal and a formal term for an artificial channel on a river navigation.
Delph:-
A drain behind a dyke or embankment on the landward side; is in Worsley Delph. (Old English "Delfan": to dig.)
More of the Canalictionary:-
(F thru L) . |
(M thru R) . |
(S thru Z) .
Click on "Back" to return ............ or go directly to:-
Preface ...|...
Acquiring our Narrowboat ...|...
Cruising the Waterways ...or... The Conclusion
If you have any comments, corrections or additions please sent an EMail to John..... The Canaloholic.