DCHP-2

wejack Various < Algonk.; cf. Cree uchāk and Ojibwa uchik; perhaps influenced by Ojibwa wachashk muskrat. Cp. woodchuck DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

• 0 n.

  a weasel-like fur-bearer, Martes pennanti.

  See also: fisher (def. 1)  woodshock  

  • 1743  (1949)  a wejack Shar qua she wuck.
  • 1755  (1907)  In the evening we came to a Creek where were plenty of Wejacks.
  • 1829  The Pekan . . . Wejack, or Fisher [of the] Fur Traders.
  • 1902  This is wuchak the fisher, or pekan, commonly called "the black cat"--who, in spite of his fishy name, hates water as cats hate it.
  • 1956  When Wuchusk comes up through a tunnel from the water and makes for his bed, he will step in the trap.

• 2 n. — Obs.

  the valuable pelt of this animal.

  See also: fisher (def. 2)  

  • 1749  Two Vejacks [are valued] as one Beaver.
  • 1777  (1951)  To William Tomison 15_1/2 Beaver in Trading Goods as necessaries for Trapping forty-five Martins and one Wejeck.