DCHP-1 Online
ranch ((2)) ((n.)) 2 (older) ranche 
1 n. a village or settlement of Indians, especially the settled part of an Indian reserve.
See also: rancherie (def. 1a)
- 1863 On our route we arrived at a "ranche" for the purpose of taking in wood but was obliged to remain until morning, and arrived at the Fort at 9 o'clock a.m.
- 1869 The ranch contained over a hundred souls, many of whom talked a little English.
- 1937 . . . he went back home to the "Ranche" to sleep off the effects of the debauch.
- 1948 On the outskirts of [Enderby, B.C.] was an Indian reserve, on the reserve was the "rancherie"--Chinook for Indian vilage or ranch. . . .
2a n. Obs. among Coast Indians, a long rectangular communal dwelling, built of cedar, housing several families, and used at times for ceremonial affairs.
See also: plank house
- 1862-63 (1872) . . . her papa had built his ranche (house) within a mile of ours, and had come to reside. . . .
2b n. See quotes.
See also: road ranche
- 1862-63 (1872) One Wallace it was who kept the ranche or hotel there. . . .
- a1860 "Is it far up the valley?" asked Will Osten of the landlord of the last ranche, or inn (a small hovel) in which they had passed the night.
- 1863 On our route we arrived at a "ranche" for the purpose of taking in wood but was obliged to remain until morning, and arrived at the Fort at 9 o'clock a.m.