1792  (1911)  [The current becoming very strong, the men were obliged to tirer à lacordelle, or drag the boat by ropes on a narrow beach under high, woody banks.]
1836  (1868)  The boats in general had to be propelled by oars and setting poles . . . or towed by the long cordelle, or towing line.
1931  A rope or cordelle, for towing purposes, sixty yards in length, also found a place in every canoe.