oarholeEtymologyFrom Middle English ore hol, equivalent to oar + hole.nouna slot or opening in the side of a galley or ship through which an oar is fitted“Oarholes were sealed when not in use by wooden covers that rotated in place to keep out water. A slot cut into the oarhole allowed the blade of the oar to pass through the oarhole so oars could be deployed entirely inboard of the ship.”