Kent

The word “Kent” means a long pole used to push a boat along, especially in shallow water. In plain terms, mostly known as an English county name; as a common noun it means a punting pole, and as a verb it means to punt or push a boat along with one.

“Kent” is pronounced kehnt (/kɛnt/ in IPA).

Here is “Kent” used in a sentence: “He stood at the stern, working the kent to steer the punt around the bend.”

Depending on how it is used, “Kent” can be a noun, a verb and a name.

The word “Kent” comes from Latin. From Old English Cent, going back through Latin Cantium to an old Celtic word thought to mean "corner" or "rim" — describing the county's coastal, edge-of-the-land position.

“Kent” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Kent” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long pole used to push a boat along, especially in shallow water.

A kent is a long pole used to push a boat along, especially in shallow water, which is essentially the same tool used in punting. "Kent" is a regional or old-fashioned word, while "punt pole" is the more widely understood term today.

As a verb, "kent" means to propel a boat by pushing on a pole against the riverbed. For example, a boatman might kent the vessel through shallow water where oars would be impractical.

A kent is used to move a boat through shallow water, where pushing against the riverbed with a pole is more effective than rowing. This makes it useful on rivers, marshes, and other shallow waterways.