paravane meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

paravane

noun

Etymology From para- + vane.

Nautical, Transport A device, stabilized with vanes, towed alongside a vessel such that the cable attaching it cuts the moorings of submerged mines.

Nautical, Transport A towed underwater object with hydrofoils, of diverse uses.

'We have a paravane on board the yacht,' continued Mr. Big as if he were a surgeon describing a delicate operation to a body of students, 'which we use for trawling for shark and other big fish.'1954, Ian Fleming, “'Good Night To You Both'”, in Live and Let Die, London: Pan Books, published 1957, page 226: