DCHP-1 Online

misaskatomina [ < Algonk.: cf. Cree misākwatomin berries of the misākwat, tree of many branches] Obs.

• 1 n. Various spellings. The edible, purplish berry of the saskatoon bush.

  See also: saskatoon (def. 1)  saskatoon berry (def. 1)  

  • 1801  (1922)  Different kinds of berries are now ripe [including] what the Canadians call paires, which the Natives denominate Mis-sas­qui-to-min-uck.
  • 1820  (1823)  Under the name of meesasscootoomeena it is a favourite dish at most Indian feasts, and mixed with pemmican it renders that greasy food actually palatable.

• 2 n. a species of serviceberry (def. 1), Amelanchier alnifolia, common in the West and prized for its succulent berries.

  See also: saskatoon (def. 2)  saskatoon bush  

  • 1858  (1960)  His arrows [were] from the mesaskatomina.
  • 1870  . . . the Misaskatomina is no longer a bush, but a tree from 18 to 20 feet high, and loaded with most luscious fruit.
  • 1883  The Misasquitomunuck (service berry) berries receive, as it is proper their meed or praise.