DCHP-1 Online
Indian captain Fur Trade, Hist. 
the leader and spokesman of a band of Indians trading at a fur post, often appointed by the factor and rewarded with a captain's coat.
See also: captain (def. 2)
- 1686 (1932) The design of sending Englishmen up to the heads of rivers should be dropped as impracticable and instead the Indian captains who lived at a great distance off should be employed to persuade the Indians to come to the factories.
- 1738 (1965) I must further acquaint your honours that the Indian Captain of this river, as the Indians calls him . . . has been too familiar . . . he having of two wives and a great sway amongst all the Indian women. . . .
- 1774 (1934) The Indian captain who brought me from the Fort . . . was so affected with the smell of the Canadians New England rum that he and his crew embark'd and followe'd after them. . . .
- 1686 (1932) The design of sending Englishmen up to the heads of rivers should be dropped as impracticable and instead the Indian captains who lived at a great distance off should be employed to persuade the Indians to come to the factories.