DCHP-1

gum ((v.))

v. render (a birchbark canoe) water-tight by applying gum (def. 1) to the seams.
See also: gum ((n.)) (def. 1)
- 1765-75 (1933) After Two Days Hard Labor We Gits our Canoes . . . and Gund [gummed] our Canoes fit to descend that River.
- 1793 (1911) An Indian woman came to-day with pitch . . . to gum the canoe. . . .
- 1857 (1863) . . . the voyageurs gummed the canoes, an operation necessary at almost every encampment.
- 1921 In the half light of early day, and while breakfast was being prepared, the men "gummed" afresh the big canoes.