DCHP-1 Online

packet Fur Trade, Hist.

• 1 n. a parcel or package of mail, instructions, business documents, etc. Also spelled pacquet.

  • 1679  (1948)  We are glad to heare of your safe arrivall . . . & have received the Packets you have sent us. . . .
  • 1778  (1951)  . . . three Young North River Indians came with the pacquet, which they have had in their care since the Fall.
  • 1783  (1954)  Two gone with a paquet to Albany.
  • 1874  (1956)  The Athabasca accounts for the Past Outfit were closed and the Packet given over to the care of Mr. Moberly.

• 2 n. a party carrying mail and other special deliveries between trading posts by dog-sled, canoe, etc.

  See also: packet man  packet party  

  • 1861  The last packet from the far north brought us the following most interesting and most valuable communication from the Rev. W. W. Kirby. . . .
  • 1956  "The Packet," a canoe-brigade in the summer or a string of dog teams in the winter, carried in the mail and brought out the fur.