DCHP-2

shoot ((v.)) DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

• 1 v.

  navigate a rapids, riffle, etc. in a canoe, boat, or raft.

  See also: run ((v.)) (def. 1)  

  • 1689  (1929)  [We] were forct to shoot 3 Desperate falls [;] ye Raft stuck upon two of y^m but gott safely over. . . .
  • 1793  (1933)  . . . the guides who shoot the Canoes down the long sault and Carrillon Rapids have their huts erected.
  • 1849  Then I made a rapid run to Canada West, to visit my relations there, and returning by the Rapids of St. Lawrence, the Long Sault, etc. (which is exciting to "shoot" in a steamer, rolling down as it does majestically, with the angry water roaring and tumbling, and rushing about it. . . .
  • 1958  It was believed the boat overturned when the men attempted to shoot some rapids.

• 2 v. — Ottawa Valley, Hist.

  ride a crib of logs down a slide (def. la).

  See also: shoot ((n.)) (def. 2)  slide (def. 1a)  

  • 1864  (1955)  They say that there is considerable danger in shooting these slides, but it is much exaggerated.
  • 1883  Shooting the slides on cribs is capital sport; in its excitement and velocity it reminds you of tobogganing.
  • 1964  Cribs could shoot the slides along the upper Ottawa at places like Calumet and Chaudière.