n. — Agriculture, rare, Atlantic and Quebec
A four-posted structure with an adjustable roof and simple flooring used to store hay.
Type: 2. Preservation — Hay barracks, often called just barracks, are a preservation from Midland and New England American English. Likely imported with the United Empire Loyalists who migrated north following the American War of Independence (1775-1783), they continue to be used in some agricultural communities (see the 2004 quotes). The term originated with the Dutch hooiberg 'hay stack', which was taken over by English speakers on the east coast of North America in the 18th century. The second syllable was interpreted to mean 'barrack' by a process of folk etymology.
See also DNE, s.v. "barrack n.", DARE, s.v. "hay barrack", which labels it chiefly Northeast & Central Atlantic, OED-3, s.v. "hay C2, hay-barrack", labelled U.S., COD-2, s.v. "barrack" (5) which is marked "Cdn (Maritimes)".