pram

noun

Etymology: From Dutch praam (“a flat-bottomed boat”), from Middle Dutch praem, from Middle Low German prām, from Old Czech *prám, from Proto-Slavic *pormъ.

1. A flat-bottomed barge used on shallow shores to convey cargo to and from ships that cannot enter the harbour.
2. A similar barge used as platform for cannons in shallow waters which seagoing warships cannot enter.
3. A type of dinghy with a flat bow.

   “Although the pram, like the johnboat, has a squared-off bow as well as stern, the bow lines on the pram will be narrower than those encountered on a johnboat.”

   “Nothing can beat the simple pleasure of paddling a pram around on a foggy dawn, probing pad flats, stumps and fallen logs for lurking bass.”