1 kedge | Definition of kedge
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kedge

verb
\ ˈkej How to pronounce kedge (audio) \
kedged; kedging

Definition of kedge

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

: to move (a ship) by means of a line attached to a small anchor dropped at the distance and in the direction desired

intransitive verb

: to move a ship by kedging

kedge

noun

Definition of kedge (Entry 2 of 2)

: a small anchor used especially in kedging

Did You Know?

Verb

In 1627, A Sea Grammar was published. In that text, Captain John Smith sailed the word kedge into the sea of the English language, and etymologists are still trying to find the exact coordinates of its origin. Many believe "cadge," meaning a "carrier" or "huckster," is hitched to "kedge" and that "cadge" was originally towed in by the Middle English word cagen ("to tie"). "Cagen" is of equestrian origin: it is strapped to the act of hitching a horse used for transporting wares.

First Known Use of kedge

Verb

1627, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1765, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for kedge

Verb

Middle English caggen

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with kedge

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