DCHP-1 Online

maypole trans. of Cdn F mai, q.v. Hist.

• 1 n. (originally associated with the northern Indians) a tall, conspicuous spruce or pine denuded of all but its topmost branches to serve as a mark of honor for a friend, as a monument, or often as a living talisman of the man for whom it was made.

  See also: lobstick (def. 1)  mai  

  • 1801  [There was the singular appearance of a spruce fir, stripped of its branches to the top like an English may-pole.]
  • 1811  (1849)  On Mr. M'Kay's return . . . he ordered one of his men to climb a lofty tree and dress it for a May-pole.
  • 1859  (1869)  It is customary for the voyageurs to make what they call a "lob stick" or "may pole," in honor of any gentlemen who may be passengers with them; and on Cross Lake ours made one for Mr. Hubbard and myself.

• 2 n. such a tree serving as a landmark.

  See also: lobstick (def. 2)  

  • 1850  It may be distinguished by a tall pine-tree trimmed into a Maypole.
  • 1933  The Mai was probably a lobstick, or maypole, a favorite landmark of voyageurs. Such a pole was made by cutting away all but a few branches of a tree, usually one which stood on a headland or promontory.