DCHP-1 Online
raquette (older) racquette [< Cdn F < F "tennis racket"] 
n. a snowshoe.
See also: racquet ((v.)) racquet ((n.)) racket (and note)
- c1665 (1885) We found snowes in few places, saving where the trees made a shaddow, wch hindred the snow to thaw, wch made us carry the raquetts wth our feete, and sometimes wth the hands.
- 1760 The texture of the raquette or snow-shoe, consists of straps of leather about two lines in breadth, bordered with some light wood hardened in the fire.
- 1849 Next morning, with three pairs of socks and mocassins, we essayed snow-shoeing; and it was ludicrous to witness the mishaps of those who figured on the broad racquettes for the first time. . . .
- 1965 The "raquettes" of today are strung, usually, with especially prepared cowhide, rather than the original deerhide or gut of the 17th century. . . .
- c1665 (1885) We found snowes in few places, saving where the trees made a shaddow, wch hindred the snow to thaw, wch made us carry the raquetts wth our feete, and sometimes wth the hands.