DCHP-1 Online
alligator [< imagined resemblance to an alligator in movement, amphibious character, etc.] Lumbering 
1 n. Hist. a scow-like raft equipped with a winch and cable, used for towing or hauling logs, breaking up jams, etc.
- 1947 (1963) There, the individual logs would be moved across by primitive "alligators." A raft . . . served instead of a modern tug for this purpose. A team of horses was hitched to a windlass in the centre of the raft [and] walked round and round in order to wind up the rope that gradually hauled the raft to the spot where the anchor had previously been dropped.
- 1950 The winches aboard the scow-like alligators pulled craft, logs and all up to the anchor.
2 n. See 1963 quote. Also called alligator boat.
- 1909 The alligator boat plying between the Georgian Bay and inland camps will be needed here soon.
- 1957 The logs are towed and driven by four alligators, boats especially designed to be at home in this rugged country.
- 1963 Alligator: A small gasoline-powered boat used to break log jams on river drives or to transport men and supplies, or to assist in forming the logs into a raft for towing.
- 1947 (1963) There, the individual logs would be moved across by primitive "alligators." A raft . . . served instead of a modern tug for this purpose. A team of horses was hitched to a windlass in the centre of the raft [and] walked round and round in order to wind up the rope that gradually hauled the raft to the spot where the anchor had previously been dropped.