oarlock

n. (Naut.), The notch, fork, or other device on the gunwale of a boat, in which the oar rests, and that holds the oar in place and acts as a fulcrum for rowing. Certain oarlocks are designed for use with oars having attached swivels, which insert into the oarlock and provide a firm pivot. Same as Rowlock{ 1 }.
Syn. -- peg, pin, thole, tholepin, rowlock. [ 1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]