The term originated from the occasional black sheep which are born into a flock of white sheep due to a genetic process of recessive traits. Black wool was considered commercially undesirable because it could not be dyed. In 18th and 19th century England, the black color of the sheep was seen as the mark of the devil.
The transom is the flat back end of a boat. Some boats are pointed on both ends, so they have no transom. A traditional canoe, pointed on both ends has no transom. A modern square stern canoe (made to take an outboard motor) has a transom.
Best Answer: A transom is the wide, usually flat area at the very back of a boat. This is where an outboard motor is typically mounted. This is also where you usually find the name of the boat on larger vessels. The transom is the farthest way back on a boat. On an outboard boat it supports the outboard motor. On an Inboard its either the swim platform of furthermost wall of the boat. The transom is always located at furthest most part aft section meaning most rear of the vessel.