noun
also san·pan ˈsamˌpan, ˈsaamˌpaa(ə)n
( -s )
Etymology: Chinese (Pekingese) san 1 pan 3 , from san 1 three + pan 3 board, plank
1.
a. : a flat-bottomed wedge-shaped Chinese skiff with low transom bow and rising transom stern with a pronounced rake, usually having a mat roofing over the cabin, sometimes equipped with a sail but usually propelled by two short oars in oarlocks consisting of twisted rattan, and used principally for river and harbor traffic
b. : a small open Chinese boat
2. : a Japanese boat with a broad flat keel, a long raking sharp bow and vertical square stern propelled by a single scull or a group of sculls, by square sails on one to three masts, or by an engine
3. Hawaii : a boat built on oriental lines, propelled by a diesel motor, and widely used in Hawaiian fishery