outrigger
outrigger Lexical Profile
outrigger Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A beam, spar, or framework projecting laterally from the hull of a canoe or boat to support a float that prevents capsizing, or the stabilizing float itself.
"The wooden outrigger kept the narrow canoe steady as the paddlers navigated the choppy ocean waves."
A canoe or racing boat equipped with one or more lateral stabilizing floats or projecting rowlocks.
"Teams from across the Pacific gathered on the beach to prepare their outriggers for the annual long-distance regatta."
A projecting beam, bracket, or extendable leg attached to a building, crane, or heavy vehicle to provide lateral stability or support an external structure.
"Before lifting the steel girders, the crane operator extended the hydraulic outriggers to level and brace the truck."
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the early 17th century as a nautical term, 'outrigger' is an alteration of the older word 'outligger', borrowed from Dutch 'uitlegger' (literally 'one that lies out'), reshaped under the influence of the English verb 'rig'.