Fox 1914 advert:

"THE extension of the frame(water table) under the barrels is shorter than on any other guns."

So all you Fox owners step forward and call it what it is.

Like Mcintosh, I too believe the term originated from the use to water to make the flats plane. It also appears in Sears, Roebuck & Company adverts(typically in Railroad publications) circa 1905-1907.

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse