DCHP-1 Online

canoe ((n.)) † [< Sp. canoa, ult. < Arawakan] Although this word, originally applying to the dugout of the West Indies, was known in England in the sixteenth century, it is probable that its use to refer to the birchbark canoe of the Algonkians derived from that of Cdn F canot (see the compounds containing this word below). As adapted for the fur trade, these craft played a vital part in the early commerce and exploration of Canada. For this reason, the term is briefly treated here.

• 1 n. any of the various light watercraft propelled by paddles, including the birchbark canoe and more modern craft of similar design. See picture at sturgeon-nosed canoe.

  See also: birchbark canoe  dugout canoe  express canoe  Micmac (canoe)  Montreal canoe  North canoe  sturgeon-nosed canoe  

  • 1576  (1889)  [. . . a Canoa of India could [not] live in those outragious seas without shipwracke. . . .]
  • 1632  (1939)  [The Hurons only group themselves five or six together in each canoe, since these little vessels cannot hold more along with their goods. . . .]
  • 1684  (1885)  . . . about evening an Indian pursuing a Deere spyed our Canoo.
  • 1761  (1901)  The canoes, which I provided for my undertaking, were as is usual, five fathom and a half in length, and four feet and a half in their extreme breadth, and formed of birch-tree bark, a quarter of an inch in thickness.
  • 1808  (1889)  This morning we traded two canoes for two calico bed gowns.
  • 1936  [Caption] In Canada the canoe has always been the means of pioneer transport following the water routes.
  • 1966  Modern wilderness canoes--canvas, aluminum, and Fiberglass . . . are listed generically by the various canoe makers as Prospector or Guide's model.

• 2 n. a canoe and the people or goods carried in it; canoe load.

  • 1697  (1929)  This Evening 4 cannoes of Indians came down the river to the fort upon w^ch the governer made the signal for M^r kelsey's return to th fort.
  • 1784  (1954)  Two cannoes of Eastward Indians came in.

• 3 n. Nfld See quote.

  • 1952  Canoe or Kinoo. Pronounced "kin-oo." Small hand-rowed boat.