to use the hands or fingers in toying; to make caressing strokes.-to dabble in water with hands or feet; to use a paddle, or something which serves as a paddle, in swimming, in paddling a boat, etc.-to pat or stroke amorously, or gently.-to propel with, or as with, a paddle or paddles.-to pad; to tread upon; to trample.-an implement with a broad blade, which is used without a fixed fulcrum in propelling and steering canoes and boats.-the broad part of a paddle, with which the stroke is made; hence, any short, broad blade, resembling that of a paddle.-one of the broad boards, or floats, at the circumference of a water wheel, or paddle wheel.-a small gate in sluices or lock gates to admit or let off water; -- also called clough.-a paddle-shaped foot, as of the sea turtle.-a paddle-shaped implement for string or mixing.-see paddle staff (b), below.