DCHP-3

marche-donc

Cdn French
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

1n.

a two-wheeled one-horse carriage, built to carry two passengers and having a seat on the splashboard for the driver.

See: calèche(def. 1)

Quotations

1799
From the frequent use made by the drivers of these words, the calashes have received a nick-name of "marche-doncs."
2n.

a French-Canadian driver of a caleche or cart.

Quotations

1845
Marche donc is a sobriquet bestowed on all Habitans from their vehement and invariable ejaculation of the words when applied to their ponies as an incentive to increased speed.
1850
. . . and the narrow Norman carts of the "marche-doncs," as their drivers are nicknamed, from their perpetual use of that "cry" to their cattle.
1916
[The] driver, or marche-donc, usually exceeded this rate.