DCHP-1 Online
head of the line 
North the point on the river at the end of stretch where boats or canoes were pulled by tracking lines; specifically, such a point on the Mackenzie River.
See also: line ((n.)) (def. 1b) tracking line
- 1808 (1897) At eleven we reached the head of the line where we put ashore to gum and repair our canoes.
- 1940 After Providence we travelled eighty-nine miles downstream to the "head of the line" . . . this part of the river is called "line" because, in the days before steamers, the scow, boats and canoes had to be tracked upstream with tow-lines.
- 1943 At the Head of the Line, eight miles above Simpson, we camped.
- 1808 (1897) At eleven we reached the head of the line where we put ashore to gum and repair our canoes.