A long, narrow boat with a high prow and stern, used in
   the canals of Venice. A gondola is usually propelled by one or two
   oarsmen who stand facing the prow, or by poling. A gondola for
   passengers has a small open cabin amidships, for their protection
   against the sun or rain. A sumptuary law of Venice required that
   gondolas should be painted black, and they are customarily so painted
   now.