DCHP-1 Online
lead ((n.)) † [lid] North 
n. an opening in an icefield.
See also: tickle (def. 2)
- 1850 (1852) As anything was better than standing still, I was heartily glad to see the "Chieftain," a bonnie Scotch whaler, show us the road by entering a lead of water, and away we all went, working to windward.
- 1958 [Caption] Catching a full-grown seal alive is quite a stunt. . . . Finding the animal some distance from a "lead" he managed to get between it and open water, then making a short dash he seized it by the hind flippers.
- 1850 (1852) As anything was better than standing still, I was heartily glad to see the "Chieftain," a bonnie Scotch whaler, show us the road by entering a lead of water, and away we all went, working to windward.