DCHP-3

demi-charge

[< Cdn F < F "half load"]
Obs.
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

1n.

that part of a canoe's load that was unloaded at a décharge (def. 1).

Quotations

1804
[T]hey set off after dinner for the Barrier, and return'd abot 8 oclock with the last demi charge.
1933
A demi-charge was a part of the loading of a canoe. It was carried around a décharge while the canoe itself, thus lightened, was towed past the rapids.
2n.

a shallow place where a boat or canoe had to be partly unloaded before it could proceed.

See: décharge(def. 1)

Quotations

1884
Above the Demicharge, the current was strong to Clear Lake and the boats had to be pulled and pulled as best they might.
1963
But what in the world was a demi-charge? Some sort of a rapid, but what?