Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Paddle \Pad"dle\, n. [See {Paddle}, v. i.]
   1. An implement with a broad blade, which is used without a
      fixed fulcrum in propelling and steering canoes and boats.

   2. The broad part of a paddle, with which the stroke is made;
      hence, any short, broad blade, resembling that of a
      paddle.

            Thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon. --Deut.
                                                  xxiii. 13.

   3. One of the broad boards, or floats, at the circumference
      of a water wheel, or paddle wheel.

   4. A small gate in sluices or lock gates to admit or let off
      water; -- also called {clough}.

   5. (Zo["o]l.) A paddle-shaped foot, as of the sea turtle.

   6. A paddle-shaped implement for string or mixing.

   7. [In this sense prob. for older spaddle, a dim. of spade.]
      See {Paddle staff} (b), below. [Prov. Eng.]

   {Paddle beam} (Shipbuilding), one of two large timbers
      supporting the spring beam and paddle box of a steam
      vessel.

   {Paddle board}. See {Paddle}, n., 3.

   {Paddle box}, the structure inclosing the upper part of the
      paddle wheel of a steam vessel.

   {Paddle shaft}, the revolving shaft which carries the paddle
      wheel of a steam vessel.

   {Paddle staff}.
      (a) A staff tipped with a broad blade, used by mole
          catchers. [Prov. Eng.]
      (b) A long-handled spade used to clean a plowshare; --
          called also {plow staff}. [Prov. Eng.]

   {Paddle steamer}, a steam vessel propelled by paddle wheels,
      in distinction from a screw propeller.

   {Paddle wheel}, the propelling wheel of a steam vessel,
      having paddles (or floats) on its circumference, and
      revolving in a vertical plane parallel to the vessel's
      length.

Source : WordNet®

paddle wheel
     n : a large wheel fitted with paddles and driven by an engine in
         order to propel a boat [syn: {paddlewheel}]