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belt
Obs.
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
1n. — Hist.
a belt of shell beads used by eastern Indians, especially the Iroquois, as a mnemonic device for recording the terms of treaties etc. or as a mark of honor.
See: belt of wampum
Quotations
1765-75
By the Intarpretar I had the Speach Expland and the Intenshun of the Belts. . . . The Counsel with the Commander thought proper to Give Me ye Charge of thre Belts with the Speacheis and the traders of Lake Superer Ware Charged with the Others.
1850
The Iroquois council sent back the same deputies, with six belts, intimating their resolution, which was expressed in lofty and bitter terms.
2n.
a belt or waistband, often of worsted and of bright design, as the L'Assomption sash, characteristic of French Canada and long identified with the voyageurs and Métis.
Quotations
1801
. . . one of them stole a Ceinture of Cadottes, [who] overtook them before noon, & threatened to shoot one of them if he did not tell which of them had stolen the Belt. . . .
1912
[The carter] . . . wears only a short, dark, heavy homespun jacket, with a red belt around it which hangs in tasselled ends at his side.