DCHP-1 Online

ranch-house ((2)) 2 [cf. rancherie (def. 2)] Pacific Coast

• 1 n. among Coast Indians, a long rectangular communal dwelling, built of cedar, housing several families, and used at times for ceremonial affairs. [See picture at plank house.]

  See also: plank house (and picture)  

  • 1958  [Caption] [Kwakiutl] Ranch house under construction.

• 2 n. an Indian house, especially a communal dwelling on a rancherie (def. 1).

  See also: ranch ((2)) ((n.)) (def. 2a)  rancherie (def. 1)  

  • 1907  . . . And who would dream as I speak/In a tribal tongue like a rogue unhung, 'mid the ranch-house filth and reek,/I could roll to bed with a Latin phrase and rise with a verse of Greek?
  • 1947  A small rancherie, known as Kanaka Ranch adjoined Viewfield farm toward the west. Old residents of Esquimalt still remember the decrepit old ranch house near the sea end of Constance avenue. . . .