air-hole

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

1n.

a hole in the ice, especially where the water is moving too swiftly to freeze.

Quotations

1794

One of the horses drawing hay across the bay fell into an airhole and was drowned.

1958

He stepped into an air hole, a common hazard ... where the stream, flowing too swiftly to freeze, is covered only by a dome of snow

2n.

an opening in the ice, made as a breathing-hole by some animal.

1852

[It] was an air-hole through which the beaver had come up during the night. . . .

1964

Each seal has several air holes

3n.

an opening in rotten ice.

See: rotten

1878

The ice that had formed on Battle River rotted and became so full of air holes that it was dangerous to cross it.

1916

"Rubber ice," said Billy. "Air-holes," said the Doctor.