a simple wheel-less conveyance originally used by the Indians and made of two poles on which was a platform or net for holding a load, the contrivance being pulled by a dog. See picture at travois.
1867  In a dog travail the cross of the poles rests on the back of the neck, and is kept in place by a . . . neck strap; the poles are wrapped with pieces of buffalo robe where they press against the dog.