DCHP-1 Online
discovery 
1 n. Fur Trade, Hist. a scouting or exploring trip.
- 1775 (1954) . . . the Indians whose Country lies between the Canadians & us, are averse to our making any discovery or Settlement where the Pedlars are. . . .
- 1800 (1897) Two of them set off with one of my men on horseback, on discoveries.
- 1819 (1897) Beaver Hill Crees were on discoveries.
2 n. Placer Mining the first or original claim staked on a creek, all other claims being recorded as abo discovery or below discovery.
See also: discovery claim
- 1898 The last news from Quartz and Sulphur is that both creeks are panning out up to expectations, and especially is this so above the discoveries.
- 1775 (1954) . . . the Indians whose Country lies between the Canadians & us, are averse to our making any discovery or Settlement where the Pedlars are. . . .