DCHP-1 Online
décharge [< Cdn F < F decharger unload] Hist. 
1 n. a shallow place where a boat or canoe had to be partly unloaded before it could proceed.
See also: demi-charge (def. 2) discharge ((n.)) launcher lightening place discharge ((v.))
- 1761 (1901) In this distance, there are four carrying-places, besides three or four decharges, or discharges, which are places where the merchandize only is carried, and are therefore distinguishable from portages, or carrying-places, where the canoe itself is taken out of the water, and transported on men's shoulders.
- 1821 (1900) A Décharge is a place where the Goods are carried, a Portage where both the Goods and Canoe [are carried].
- 1965 [Caption] The voyageurs called such places décharges.
2 n. make a décharge, unload a boat or canoe to permit passage through a shallow stretch of water.
See also: lighten
- 1804 (1897) Water exceedingly low. We made continual décharges and half-loads.
- 1909 Until within a few years every ounce of freight for the lower Mackenzie River posts had to negotiate this turbulent waterway, making seven portages and many décharges.
- 1961 Coming downstream they would, depending on its degree of danger or difficulty, run the rapid, make a "décharge," or portage.
- 1761 (1901) In this distance, there are four carrying-places, besides three or four decharges, or discharges, which are places where the merchandize only is carried, and are therefore distinguishable from portages, or carrying-places, where the canoe itself is taken out of the water, and transported on men's shoulders.