DCHP-1 Online
private trade Fur Trade, Hist. 
the practice among company officers and, at times, other employees of trading with the Indians on a private basis.
- 1671 (1942) That Capt. Guillam & all others imployed this voyage bee examined what private trade hath been by them or any of them in the Countrey, or by the mariners under them. . . .
- 1821 (1938) Chastellain & Lamallice I find are renewing their old practice of carrying on Private Trade with the Indians.
- 1942 . . . both captains and the crews and the Frenchmen took part in private trade on their own accounts, and . . . the Company conducted a steady campaign against the practice.
- 1671 (1942) That Capt. Guillam & all others imployed this voyage bee examined what private trade hath been by them or any of them in the Countrey, or by the mariners under them. . . .