What is "paddle beam"

Paddle \Pad"dle\, n. [See Paddle, v. i.]

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; hence, any short, broad blade, resembling that of a paddle, such as that used in table tennis.

   Thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon.
   --Deut. xxiii. 1

3. 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. (Zo["o]l.) A paddle-shaped foot, as of the sea turtle.

6. A paddle-shaped implement for stirring or mixing.

7. [In this sense prob. for older spaddle, a dim. of spade.] See Paddle staff (b), below. [Prov. Eng.] Paddle beam (Shipbuilding), one of two large timbers supporting the spring beam and paddle box of a steam vessel. Paddle board. See Paddle, n., 3. Paddle shaft, the revolving shaft which carries the paddle wheel of a steam vessel. Paddle staff.

   1. A staff tipped with a broad blade, used by mole catchers. [Prov. Eng.]

   2. A long-handled spade used to clean a plowshare; -- called also plow staff. [Prov. Eng.]

      Paddle steamer, a steam vessel propelled by paddle wheels, in distinction from a screw propeller.

      Paddle wheel, the propelling wheel of a steam vessel, having paddles (or floats) on its circumference, and revolving in a vertical plane parallel to the vessel's length.