DCHP-1 Online
chuck ((1)) 1 [< Chinook Jargon < Nootka ch'a'ak fresh water] West Coast 
1 n. water.
- 1860 The engine seemed to work well, and threw a very fair stream, although the "chuck" was not of the sweetest description.
- 1958 "Chuck" is a Chinook jargon for "water". . . .
2a n. any body of water.
- 1880 The most considerable is that which has been called the Slate Chuck on the chart.
- 1958 A mother in Stanley Park [Vancouver] scolds, "Johnny, throw that dirty stick in the chuck."
2b n. the ocean, including all salt-water inlets, canals, and bays affected by tidewater.
See also: salt-chuck
- 1926 The "chuck" could be greatly improved by "chucking" the cook in the "chuck."
- 1954 Pay no attention to him; tell him to go jump in the chuck.
- 1959 . . . the logger speaks of dumping logs in the chuck.
- 1860 The engine seemed to work well, and threw a very fair stream, although the "chuck" was not of the sweetest description.