or -treader, subs. phr. (colloquial).—A ship: sail or steam.

1

  1614.  CHAPMAN, Odyssey, xiv. 477.

        And when the WATER-TREADER far away
Had left the land.

2

  1899.  HYNE, Further Adventures of Captain Kettle, xi. I’ve had enough of your airs and graces. I’ve paid for my passage on this rubbishy old WATER-PUSHER of yours.

3