KAYAK

kayak, or cayak, an eskimo word for a fishing boat, in common use from greenland to alaska. it has been erroneously derived from the arabic _caique_, supposed to have been applied to the native boats by early explorers. the boat is made by covering a light wooden framework with sealskin. a hole is pierced in the centre of the top of the boat, and the _kayaker_ (also dressed in sealskin) laces himself up securely when seated to prevent the entrance of water. the kayak is propelled like a canoe by a double-bladed paddle. the name _kayak_ is properly only applied to the boat used by an eskimo man--that used by a woman is called an _umiak_.