Word Study
sponson
CIDE DICTIONARY
sponson, n.
One of the triangular platforms in front of, and abaft, the paddle boxes of a steamboat. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
sponson, n.
1 a projection from the side of a warship or tank to enable a gun to be trained forward and aft.
2 a short subsidiary wing to stabilize a seaplane.
3 a triangular platform supporting the wheel on a paddle-steamer.
1 a projection from the side of a warship or tank to enable a gun to be trained forward and aft.
2 a short subsidiary wing to stabilize a seaplane.
3 a triangular platform supporting the wheel on a paddle-steamer.
Etymology
19th c.: orig. unkn.
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