DCHP-1 Online

roach (knife) [< roach-bellied < roach a variety of carp having a curved back] Fur Trade, Hist.

• n. a kind of knife the blade of which folded into a curved handle.

  See also: Rochbury (knife)  

  • Although the earliest available references appear as Rochberry, Rochbary, and Rochbury knife, the term Roach-belly'd knives also appears very early. Only roach knife appears after the 17th century. Since Rochbury does not appear to have been a place name, the given etymology seems most likely.

  • 1683  (1946)  [Ordered that Mr. Sam Banner provide . . . 1000 Rothbury large Ditto. . . . [Fn] (1946) In A.6/3, fo.42d., there is a reference to these knives as "Roach belly'd knives," a name presumably descriptive of their shape.]
  • 1728  (1965)  Likewise send us no small long knives nor small roach knives . . . they being so weak that the natives does not care for trading them. . . .
  • 1825  (1954)  . . . the 1825 invoice of goods sent to York Factory [lists] scalping and roach knives. . . .
  • 1829  8 1/2 doz. Roach Knives.