bow-paddler

Updated: July 4, 2025

So the three canoes were brought side to side; their sails rolled up; and paddles in hand, our paddlers seated themselves sideways on the gunwales; Yoomy, as leader, occupying the place of the foremast, or Bow-Paddler of the royal barge.

Herman Melville - Mardi: and A Voyage Thither, Vol. I