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engagé
[< Cdn F < F servant]
Hist.
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
n.
a fur-company employee, originally a French Canadian hired in Montreal to work in the inland trade.
See: voyageur(def. 1)
Quotations
1765-75
But all way in the Spring . . . the Engashea often went to Confes & git absolution.
1796
Leave was also given to bring in a Bill for regulating the Engages to the Indian Country, &c.
1824
While at the Depot they shall be allowed per week four days ordinary rations as issued to Engages besides three loaves of Bread three pounds of Pork 1/4 lb Tea 1 1/4 lb sugar and one pint Rum.
1955
After them came the engagés--postmasters, interpreters, tradesmen, guides, steersmen, bowsmen, voyageurs and labourers.
1966
. . . voyageurs in general were mentioned as engages, or men who had engagements with the bourgeois.