DCHP-1 Online
poire [< Cdn F poire sauvage, literally, wild pear] Hist. 
1 n. the fruit of any of these plants.
See also: pear serviceberry (def. 2)
- 1789 (1801) There were plenty of berries, which my people called poires; they are of a purple hue, somewhat bigger than a pea, and of a luscious taste.
- 1830 (1837) In the country parts this small fruit is dignified with the name of poire, more from its fine flavor, it is presumed, than from any resemblance to pears.
- 1843 (1955) The poire is mixed up in large quantities with a fine pemmican for the use of the officers and this makes what is called berry pemmican of which I never got any however, as none was made last year; the berry was scarce.
- 1951 Poire [is] a large purple berry that was the most delicious of all.
2 n. any of several bushes or shrubby trees of the genus Amelanchier.
See also: serviceberry (def. 1)
- 1807 (1890) Upon the south side of the river, the country is pretty level and covered with fir . . . and bois rouge; there are poire, gooseberry and raspberry bushes. . . .
- 1852 Amelanchier canadensis . . . is La Poire of the voyageurs...
3 n. the wood of the serviceberry (def. 1).
See also: serviceberry (def. 1)
- 1890 The arrow was half the length of the bow, and was made from the Saskatoon, or poire.
- 1789 (1801) There were plenty of berries, which my people called poires; they are of a purple hue, somewhat bigger than a pea, and of a luscious taste.