What (who) is barge pole - definition

A setting pole or quant (quant pole) is a pole, handled by a crew member, to move boats, barges (barge pole) or punts by pushing the craft in the desired direction. The pole is used to push against the river or sea bed or, in some cases, the bank of the river. If used from the stern (back) of the craft, the action is usually called "punting". Especially on larger vessels, it is more effective if the operator starts at the bow and walks aft along a side deck, pushing against the bottom all the way – this action is called "quanting" or "setting". If there is a short stretch where the water is too deep for the pole to reach the bottom, the pole can be used as a paddle. Whilst this is substantially less effective than a bladed oar or paddle, it is sufficient to keep the boat moving.^{: 133–135}

A setting pole is usually made of ash, or a similar resilient wood, or of hollow metal so that in either case it floats if left in the water. They are usually capped on one or both ends with metal to withstand the repeated pushing against the bottom and rocks, and to help the end of the pole sink to the bottom more quickly. A barge quant often has a cap at the top and a prong at the bottom to stop it from sinking into the mud. On the Norfolk Broads these are called a Bott and a Shoe respectively.

It can range in length from eight feet (2.4 metres), to over eighteen feet (5.5 metres). A quant is used not only to propel craft, but also to steer them by acting as a rudder. The operator of the quant can stick the quant behind the barge or punt to determine the direction of travel.

There is also a popular saying: "I wouldn't touch that thing with a barge pole!" (sometimes rendered as "a 10-foot pole").