b.transitive. to oar it: to row; (in extended use) to swim.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > moving with current of air or water > movement in or on water > move in or on water [verb (intransitive)] > swim
swimOE
fleetOE
to oar it1894
1894 K. GrahamePagan Papers 136 A golden carp of fattest build, I oared it in translucent waters.
1976 M. BishopAnd Strange at Ecbatani. i. 8 Out to sea the Pelagans went, oaring it like madmen or fiends.