DCHP-1 Online

robe [< Cdn F < F "ankle-length garment"]

• 1a n. Fur Trade, Hist. five to eight prime beaver skins, from which the guard hairs had been removed, sewn together to make a robe, worn by the Indians with the fur next to the body. The oil-impregnated fur (coat beaver) made excellent felt and was eagerly bought by the hat-makers.

  See also: beaver coat  

  • In early use, the term robe was current among the Montreal traders, a borrowing from the French Canadians, the Hudson's Bay Company usage being coat, blanket, etc.

• 1b n. Fur Trade, Hist. See 1848 quote.

  See also: buffalo robe  

• 2 n. similarly prepared hides or pelts of other animals, especially when used as a wrap or covering.