DCHP-1 Online

traverse ((1)) ((n.)) [< Cdn F < F "way across"]

• 1a n. Hist. an open stretch of water, as a widening in a river or a course across a lake, where canoes or boats are required to leave the shelter of the shoreline.

  See also: crossing  

• 1b n. especially in make a traverse, the journey, often dangerous, across such an open stretch.

  See also: traverse ((1)) ((v.))  (def. 1)  

• 2a n. Hist. on the prairies, a stretch of open land between bluffs which were used for shelter, the open prairie being hazardous in winter.

• 2b n. Hist. the journey across such a stretch of open prairie.

  See also: traverse ((1)) ((v.))  (def. 2)  

• 3 n. Obs. a ford.

• 4 n. the act or process of carrying canoes, boats, supplies, etc. at such a place.

  See also: portage ((n.)) (def. 2a).