1864  The dry-meat hunters [of buffalo] are dropping in daily and we are happy to state that in general they are well loaded.
1929  [In 1878] . . . I found a small sheet of "dry meat" on the road. It was almost like a piece of leather, and did not look appetizing in the least, but it served me to munch for many a mile. This comestible, if it be not expedient to crisp it on a fire--when it is much improved--must simpy be gnawed like a piece of rawhide.