Word Study
quant
CIDE DICTIONARY
quant, n.
A punting pole with a broad flange near the end to prevent it from sinking into the mud; a setting pole. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
quant, n. & v.
--n. Brit. a punting-pole with a prong at the bottom to prevent it sinking into the mud, as used by Norfolk bargemen etc.
--v.tr. (also absol.) propel (a boat) with a quant.
--n. Brit. a punting-pole with a prong at the bottom to prevent it sinking into the mud, as used by Norfolk bargemen etc.
--v.tr. (also absol.) propel (a boat) with a quant.
Etymology
15th c.: perh. f. L contus f. Gk kontos boat-pole
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