DCHP-2

ranch ((2)) ((n.)) 2 (older) ranche DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

• 1 n.

  a village or settlement of Indians, especially the settled part of an Indian reserve.

  See also: rancherie (def. 1a)  

  • 1863  On our route we arrived at a "ranche" for the purpose of taking in wood but was obliged to remain until morning, and arrived at the Fort at 9 o'clock a.m.
  • 1869  The ranch contained over a hundred souls, many of whom talked a little English.
  • 1937  . . . he went back home to the "Ranche" to sleep off the effects of the debauch.
  • 1948  On the outskirts of [Enderby, B.C.] was an Indian reserve, on the reserve was the "rancherie"--Chinook for Indian vilage or ranch. . . .

• 2a n. — Obs.

  among Coast Indians, a long rectangular communal dwelling, built of cedar, housing several families, and used at times for ceremonial affairs.

  See also: plank house  

  • 1862-63  (1872)  . . . her papa had built his ranche (house) within a mile of ours, and had come to reside. . . .

• 2b n.

  See quotes.

  See also: road ranche  

  • 1862-63  (1872)  One Wallace it was who kept the ranche or hotel there. . . .
  • a1860  "Is it far up the valley?" asked Will Osten of the landlord of the last ranche, or inn (a small hovel) in which they had passed the night.