DCHP-3

express canoe

Fur Trade, Hist.
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Spelling variants:
express boat

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

1

a fast light canoe (def. 1) used by the fur-traders for speedy delivery of officials, communications, correspondence, and special goods.

Quotations

1824
A larger supply of Fish than usual will be required at this place as the extra men who accompany the Express canoe in Spring so much earlier than customary will remain here a considerable time.
1827
The Express Boat leaves Fort Vancouver at 1/4 before 6 o'clock p.m.
1870
The Express canoe arrived at this city on the afternoon of Sunday last, after a delay that began to give rise to inquietude.
1954
Paddling an express canoe was the highest honour for a canoeman. With four or five picked men he would rush the mail or a bourgeois at twice the usual speed.