Quick links

head of the line

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

— North

the point on the river at the end of stretch where boats or canoes were pulled by tracking lines; specifically, such a point on the Mackenzie River.

See: line ((n.))(def. 1b),tracking line

Quotations

1808

At eleven we reached the head of the line where we put ashore to gum and repair our canoes.

1940

After Providence we travelled eighty-nine miles downstream to the "head of the line" . . . this part of the river is called "line" because, in the days before steamers, the scow, boats and canoes had to be tracked upstream with tow-lines.

1943

At the Head of the Line, eight miles above Simpson, we camped.