rollock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical/Nautical
Quick answer
What does “rollock” mean?
A rowlock.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rowlock; a U-shaped device or pivot serving as a fulcrum for an oar on a boat.
A term primarily used in nautical contexts to refer to the part of a boat's structure where the oar rests. The spelling 'rollock' is a standard, accepted variant of 'rowlock' in British English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'rollock' is a recognized, albeit less common, variant spelling of 'rowlock.' In American English, 'rowlock' is the exclusive and standard spelling.
Connotations
In British English, 'rollock' may carry a slightly archaic or regional flavor. In American English, it would be considered a misspelling.
Frequency
The form 'rollock' appears with extremely low frequency in British corpora and is virtually non-existent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “rollock” in a Sentence
[the + ADJ] rollock + [VERB + PREP]to [VERB] the rollockVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rollock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The oar was securely rollocked before we set off.
American English
- The oar was securely oarlocked before we set off.
adjective
British English
- The rollock pin was made of brass.
American English
- The oarlock pin was made of brass.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or technical texts on boat construction or maritime history.
Everyday
Extremely rare; 'rowlock' is the common term.
Technical
Used in nautical engineering or historical boatbuilding contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rollock”
- Using 'rollock' in American English (use 'rowlock' or 'oarlock').
- Confusing 'rollock' with 'rowlock' as different objects (they are the same).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a recognized variant spelling of 'rowlock' in British English, though 'rowlock' is far more common and standard.
The standard American term is 'oarlock.' 'Rowlock' is also understood, but 'rollock' would be considered a misspelling.
Yes, though it's very rare. It means to fit an oar into a rollock/rowlock.
No, it is a rare, technical term specific to rowing boats. The more common variant 'rowlock' is itself not a high-frequency word outside of nautical contexts.
A rowlock.
Rollock is usually technical/nautical in register.
Rollock: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɒlək/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈroʊˌlɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be pulling on the wrong rollock (rare, idiomatic: to be mistaken or misguided).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: An oar must ROLL and LOCK into place in the 'rollock'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A fixed point that allows for controlled movement; a pivot or fulcrum.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the spelling 'rollock' an accepted variant?