n. & v.
n. 1 a small vessel propelled on water by an engine, oars, or sails. 2 (in general use) a ship of any size. 3 an elongated boat-shaped jug used for holding sauce etc.
v.intr. travel or go in a boat, esp. for pleasure. boat-hook a long pole with a hook and a spike at one end, for moving boats. boat-house a shed at the edge of a river, lake, etc., for housing boats. boat people refugees who have left a country by sea. boat race a race between rowing crews, esp. (Boat Race) the one between Oxford and Cambridge. boat-train a train scheduled to meet or go on a boat. in the same boat sharing the same adverse circumstances. push the boat out colloq. celebrate lavishly. boatful n. (pl. -fuls).
[ OE bat f. Gmc ]