gum ((v.))

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

render (a birchbark canoe) water-tight by applying gum (def. 1) to the seams.

See: gum ((n.))(def. 1)

Quotations

1765-75

After Two Days Hard Labor We Gits our Canoes . . . and Gund [gummed] our Canoes fit to descend that River.

1793

An Indian woman came to-day with pitch . . . to gum the canoe. . . .

1857

. . . the voyageurs gummed the canoes, an operation necessary at almost every encampment.

1921

In the half light of early day, and while breakfast was being prepared, the men "gummed" afresh the big canoes.