cordelle

[ kawr-del ]

/ kɔrˈdɛl /

a heavy rope formerly used for towing boats on rivers in Canada and the U.S.

to tow (a boat) by means of a cordelle.

Origin of cordelle

1785–95; < French, diminutive of corde cord

We were compelled to cordelle our boat, and sometimes lift it over the rocks for several rods.

Early Western Travels 1748-1846, Volume XXX |Joel Palmer
The cordelle was a rope, often several hundred yards long, by means of which men towed boats up rapid streams.

Early Western Travels 1748-1846, Volume XIV |Edwin James
Big men, bearded and powerful, pushing up stream with the cordelle on their shoulders!

The River and I |John G. Neihardt
With much ado, with poles and cordelle, we made but five miles.

Scenes and Adventures in the Semi-Alpine Region of the Ozark Mountains of Missouri and Arkansas |Henry Rowe Schoolcraft

When the current was especially strong, the end of the cordelle was attached to a tree and a windlass used.Ed.

Early Western Travels 1748-1846, Volume XIV |Edwin James