DCHP-3

malachigan

[Cdn F malachegané < Algonk.]
Obs.
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

n.

the sheepshead, Aplodinotus grunniens. Also spelled male achigan and malichigan.

See: achigan

Quotations

1793
The [Assiniboine] River is stocked with the following fish viz--Sturgeons . . . Millets, Mâe Achigan called by the Men Male Achigan and Nacaishe.
<i>c</i>1804
The principal fishes are: sturgeon, cat-fish . . . tullibee, Malachigan. . . .
1912
Malashaganay. A name of the sheepshead or fresh-water drum (Haplodinotus grunniens). Through Canadian French malashigané or malashigane, from manashigan in the Chippewa-Nipissing dialects of the Algonquian stock, signifying "ugly ashigan." The ashigan is the black bass of Canadians.
1933
The malashegane is mentioned by Tache as having the peculiar power of producing a noise like a distant beating as a drum deep in the water.