A
rowlock , sometimes
spur (due to the similarity in shape and size),
oarlock (US) or
gate (AUS) is a brace that attaches an
oar to a
boat. When a boat is rowed, the rowlock acts as a
fulcrum, and, in doing so, the propulsive force that the rower exerts on the water with the oar is transferred to the boat by the thrust force exerted on the rowlock.