Definition of "water-route" [water-route]

• A stream or other tract of water used as a route of travel. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "Charlestown mill-pond to this bend of the river, a distance of 27-1/4 miles, would open a continuous water-route of eighty miles to Concord,"
• "I managed to overrule his objections, however, as I could not bear to leave any part of the river unvisited; so we continued the water-route to the junction of the Blue and the White Nile, where I resolved to remain a week, before continuing my route."
• "But the voyages of da Gama and Magellan proved the practical possibilities of an eastern water-route to the Indies."