snag

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

A tree having its roots fastened in the bottom of a river; or a branch of a tree thus fastened. These are common in the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, and frequently destroy steamboats which come in contact with them by piercing their bows, or sides. This word is not a new one, and is defined by Johnson as "a jag or sharp protuberance."

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