Paddle /(?)/

1. To use the hands or fingers in toying; to make caressing strokes. [Obs.]
2. To dabble in water with hands or feet; to use a paddle, or something which serves as a paddle, in swimming, in paddling a boat, etc.

   As the men were paddling for their lives.

   While paddling ducks the standing lake desire.

imp. & p. p. Paddled; p. pr. & vb. n. Paddling

1. To pat or stroke amorously, or gently. [Obsolescent]

   To be paddling palms and pinching fingers.

2. To propel with, or as with, a paddle or paddles.
3. To pad; to tread upon; to trample. [Prov. Eng.]
4. To spank with a paddle or as if with a paddle; -- usually as a disciplinary punishment of children.
5. To mix (a viscous liquid) by stirring or beating with a paddle.

1. An implement with a broad blade, which is used without a fixed fulcrum in propelling and steering canoes and boats.
2. The broad part of a paddle, with which the stroke is made;

   Thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon.

3. One of the broad boards, or floats, at the circumference of a water wheel, or paddle wheel.
4. A small gate in sluices or lock gates to admit or let off water; -- also called clough.
5. A paddle-shaped foot, as of the sea turtle. (Zool.)
6. A paddle-shaped implement for stirring or mixing.
7. See Paddle staff (b), below. [Prov. Eng.]