DCHP-1

depouille Hist. [< Cdn F < F "skin" or "hide"] Hist.

n. a layer of choice fat found between the skin and muscles of a well-fed animal, especially along the back.
See also: backfat
- 1793 (1929) I have seen one of this tribe employ a 1/2 hour in bartering a Dozen Wolves and twice as many Depouilles . . . .
- 1800 (1897) The racoons were very fat, having depouilles two or three inches thick, and are excellent eating.
- 1892 By the middle of September this back-fat, or depouille as it is called in Northern patois, has reached a length of a foot or more forward from the tail, and, as it is sometimes a couple of inches thick and extends right across the neck, it is a great prize for the lucky hunter.
- 1956 (1957) Indians were fond of the depouille, or back fat, which they melted to make pemmican . . . .