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décharge
[< Cdn F < F decharger unload]
Hist.
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
1n.
a shallow place where a boat or canoe had to be partly unloaded before it could proceed.
Quotations
1761
In this distance, there are four carrying-places, besides three or four decharges, or discharges, which are places where the merchandize only is carried, and are therefore distinguishable from portages, or carrying-places, where the canoe itself is taken out of the water, and transported on men's shoulders.
1821
A Décharge is a place where the Goods are carried, a Portage where both the Goods and Canoe [are carried].
1965
[Caption] The voyageurs called such places décharges.
2n.
make a décharge, unload a boat or canoe to permit passage through a shallow stretch of water.
See: lighten
Quotations
1804
Water exceedingly low. We made continual décharges and half-loads.
1909
Until within a few years every ounce of freight for the lower Mackenzie River posts had to negotiate this turbulent waterway, making seven portages and many décharges.
1961
Coming downstream they would, depending on its degree of danger or difficulty, run the rapid, make a "décharge," or portage.