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dan†
[origin uncertain]
North
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
1n.
a sealskin bag used as a buoy or float.
Quotations
1831
. . . they returned pursuing a whale which they had harpooned and which we observed by the dan attached to the harpoon line.
1940
We steered for the float or "dan" and picked it up, and by hauling on the line, soon brought the walrus to the surface.
2n.
a sealskin bag used by Eskimos for storing or transporting seal or whale oil.
See: poke ((1))
Quotations
1847
The Esquimaux fill these dans with seal or whale oil, and bring it to the ships for sale.
1941
. . . the fat [of a seal] is later pushed back in one great creamy roll. This is later packed into a sealskin bag or "dan" where it will render itself down into blubber.