to toss the oars

Oar \Oar\ ([=o]r), n [AS. [=a]r; akin to Icel. [=a]r, Dan. aare,
   Sw. [*a]ra; perh. akin to E. row, v. Cf. {Rowlock}.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. An implement for impelling a boat, being a slender piece
      of timber, usually ash or spruce, with a grip or handle at
      one end and a broad blade at the other. The part which
      rests in the rowlock is called the loom.
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   Note: An oar is a kind of long paddle, which swings about a
         kind of fulcrum, called a rowlock, fixed to the side of
         the boat.
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   2. An oarsman; a rower; as, he is a good oar.
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   3. (Zool.) An oarlike swimming organ of various
      invertebrates.
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   {Oar cock}
      (Zool.), the water rail. [Prov. Eng.]

   {Spoon oar}, an oar having the blade so curved as to afford a
      better hold upon the water in rowing.

   {To boat the oars}, to cease rowing, and lay the oars in the
      boat.

   {To feather the oars}. See under {Feather}., v. t.

   {To lie on the oars}, to cease pulling, raising the oars out
      of water, but not boating them; to cease from work of any
      kind; to be idle; to rest.

   {To muffle the oars}, to put something round that part which
      rests in the rowlock, to prevent noise in rowing.

   {To put in one's oar}, to give aid or advice; -- commonly
      used of a person who obtrudes aid or counsel not invited.
      

   {To ship the oars}, to place them in the rowlocks.

   {To toss the oars}, To peak the oars, to lift them from the
      rowlocks and hold them perpendicularly, the handle resting
      on the bottom of the boat.

   {To trail oars}, to allow them to trail in the water
      alongside of the boat.

   {To unship the oars}, to take them out of the rowlocks.
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