buffalo chip†

Hist.

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

a piece of dried buffalo dung, often used for fuel on the prairies.

Quotations

1765-75

[They Make youse of Buffaloes dung for fuel as there is but little or no Wood upon the Planes.]

1859

We reached "Buffalo Chip Lake" [now Chip Lake] . . . and camped on its margin.

1874

All over this country there is little wood, and snow would hide the buffalo chips, the only fuel available.

1958

Dry buffalo chips were the chief source of fuel on the prairies.