DCHP-1 Online
runner ((2)) 2 [trans. of Cdn F coureur (derouine) runner on the move; see derouine] Fur Trade, Hist. 
n. a company employee, often an Indian, who made fur-buying trips to the Indian hunting camps in the forest.
See also: derouine fur-runner tripper
- 1820 (1938) We are sadly in want of runners all over the Country.
- 1830, 1931 Ever since your departure we have had 32 men 2 Clerks, the Interpreter & One Runner employed in that way & a few days after your departure the Tariff fell to One Beaver p Blanket.
- 1960 . . . the mixed bloods . . . [lived] as canoemen and runners for the fur-trade, as buffalo hunters and makers of pemmican. . . .
- 1820 (1938) We are sadly in want of runners all over the Country.