n. 1 a pole with a blade used for rowing or steering a boat by leverage against the water. 2 a rower. put one's oar in interfere, meddle. rest (US lay) on one's oars relax one's efforts. oared adj. (also in comb.). oarless adj.
[ OE ar f. Gmc, perh. rel. to Gk eretmos oar ]