catamaran

[ kat-uh-muh-ran ]

/ ˌkæt ə məˈræn /

a vessel, usually propelled by sail, formed of two hulls or floats held side by side by a frame above them. Compare trimaran.

a float or sailing raft formed of a number of logs lashed together, used in certain parts of India, South America, etc.

a quarrelsome person, especially a woman.

Canadian Dialect. a wooden sled.

Origin of catamaran

First recorded in 1690–1700, catamaran is from the Tamil word kaṭṭa-maram tied wood

As to the natives, they tumble recklessly about in a catamaran, holding on like monkeys, both with hands and feet.

The Pearl of India |Maturin M. Ballou
As soon as the gig was ready to receive them, the “stores” of the Catamaran were transferred to it.

The Ocean Waifs |Mayne Reid
It might appear as though the crew of the Catamaran were now contending against fate, and without hope.

The Ocean Waifs |Mayne Reid
Fortunately we had a sufficient supply with us on the catamaran to last at least two or three days longer.

The Adventures of Louis de Rougemont |Louis de Rougemont

There was but one misfortune arising out of the adventure that might have caused the crew of the Catamaran any serious regret.

The Ocean Waifs |Mayne Reid

catamaran

/ (ˌkætəməˈræn) /

a sailing, or sometimes motored, vessel with twin hulls held parallel by a rigid framework

a primitive raft made of logs lashed together

old-fashioned a quarrelsome woman

C17: from Tamil kattumaram tied timber