DCHP-3

hay barrack

DCHP-2 (Nov 2016)

Spelling variants:
Hay barrack, hay-barrack, barrack

n. — Agriculture, rare, Atlantic and Quebec

A four-posted structure with an adjustable roof and simple flooring used to store hay.

Type: 2. Preservation — Hay barracks, often called just barracks, are a preservation from Midland and New England American English. Likely imported with the United Empire Loyalists who migrated north following the American War of Independence (1775-1783), they continue to be used in some agricultural communities (see the 2004 quotes). The term originated with the Dutch hooiberg 'hay stack', which was taken over by English speakers on the east coast of North America in the 18th century. The second syllable was interpreted to mean 'barrack' by a process of folk etymology.
See also DNE, s.v. "barrack n.", DARE, s.v. "hay barrack", which labels it chiefly Northeast & Central Atlantic, OED-3, s.v. "hay C2, hay-barrack", labelled U.S., COD-2, s.v. "barrack" (5) which is marked "Cdn (Maritimes)".

Quotations

1880
A Hay barrack on the Monday Pond Road, belonging to Mr. John Wills was partially destroyed by fire this morning. About eleven tons of hay, valued at something like £60, was consumed.
1892
An old-fashioned hay-barrack, slabbed on sides with slabs from sawmill logs, an air-chamber carried through the hay in filling it, either by a tight bundle of straw, or a barrel carried up the centre to come out at top or at the side, will be far preferable to his published ideal of a hay-mow, and cost far less money.
2004
Then, it's off to see where the hay is stored. "This is a hay barrack, a shelter for the hay. The roof lifts up and down. As it fills with hay, the roof goes up. When it's used, the roof comes down," says LeClair.
2004
hay-barrack: structure, consisting of four posts and an adjustable roof, which protects hay, etc., from rain or snow

References

  • COD-2
  • DNE
  • DARE
  • OED-3