Gondola
Gondola , noun
[Italian, dim. of gonda a gondola; compare Late Latin gandeia a kind of boat, Greek {not transcribed} a drinking vessel; said to be a Persian word; compare French gondole gondola, cup.]
1.
A long, narrow boat with a high prow and stern, used in the canals of Venice. A gondola is usually propelled by one or two oarsmen who stand facing the prow, or by poling. A gondola for passengers has a small open cabin amidships, for their protection against the sun or rain. A sumptuary law of Venice required that gondolas should be painted black, and they are customarily so painted now.
2.
A flat-bottomed boat for freight. [United States]
3.
A long platform car, either having no sides or with very low sides, used on railroads. [United States]
4.
(Aeronautics) An elongated car under a dirigible.