Description and usage
The oar was a means of propelling a boat or ship either when there was not enough wind for sailing or when the vessel had to be maneuvered in a confined space. The oar was a long pole with a broad flat surface attached to one end. Pushing the flat surface through the water created resistance and moved the vessel forward or backward. Oars were usually attached to the boat or ship somewhere near the middle of the pole. This was often done in larger vessels by passing the pole through an opening in the hull of the ship. See the illustrations at Steering oar, rudder.