Quick links
figure-(of-)four trap
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Spelling variants:figure-4, figure-of-4, etc.
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
a kind of deadfall (def. 1) or other trap having the triggers set in a figure 4, first used by the Indians. See picture at deadfall.
See: deadfall ((n.))(def. 1 and picture)
Quotations
1743
One more trap their is a figure of 4 trap, which is 2 Logs Squar'd for the sides, and a Log for the top of one foot wide, which is call'd a figure of 4 trap being sett up with 3 sticks in the shape of a figure of 4 the top Log falls upon the Vermin which is the safest trap to Keep Vermin from being Eat.
1867
Others are caught in a kind of figure-of-4 trap, but by far the larger number are speared.
1907
In the "figure-of-four" traps, before the animal is caught it must seize the bait with its teeth and pull strong enough to set off the trap, whereas with the steel trap the mere fact of his coming to the doorway to smell insures his putting his foot in it. . . .
1936
The signs of that figure-4 trap could all be smoothed out. . . .