DCHP-1

mocotaugan [< Algonk.: Cree] Obs.

n. a wood-working knife usually having a crooked handle and, often, a hook at one end of the blade, used widely in the north, especially by the Indians, for making snowshoes, fur stretchers, canoes, and all woodwork. [See picture at crooked knife.]
See also: crooked knife (and picture)
- 1716 (1957) . . . Baggonetts, Mocotawgons, Sword Blades. . . .
- 1795 (1911) This last was rivetted onto a piece of ivory, so as to form a man's knife, known in Hudson's Bay by the name of Mokeatoggan, and is the only instrument used by them in shaping all their woodwork.
- 1940 The curved canoe knives, the same articles as are included in a list of 1748 trade goods as mocotaugans.
- 1957 "Mocotawgons" are the curved knives, still used by the Indians.