poler

/ˈpəʊlə(ɹ)/

Etymology

See poller.

Why this word is great

POLER — [Noun] One who propels a boat by thrusting a pole against the riverbed or lakebed. From the verb 'pole' (to push with a pole) + the agentive suffix '-er'. Unlike an oarsman (who rows with oars in rhythmic sweeps) or a gondolier (who stands and pushes with a single oar), the poler works in direct communion with the submerged earth—muscling through reeds, probing murky depths, finding purchase where others would drift. A pole becomes both lever and compass in their hands.

noun

  1. One who propels a boat using a pole.
  2. A horse harnessed alongside the shaft or pole of a vehicle.
  3. An extortioner.“the Poler and Exacter of Fees”