DCHP-3

pichou

[< Cdn F < Algonk.; cf. Cree peshewah]
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Spelling variants:
pechause, peeshew, peshew, peshoo, pichew, etc.

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

1n.

a North American wildcat, Lynx canadensis, having prominently tufted ears, large cushioned paws, and a black tail-tip.

Quotations

1743
Catt's are a fierce creature to Look at, and about as big as a small sheep . . . they style these (peshue). . . .
1836
Now Peeshew is the Cree name for a lynx or cat, and the lake in question is accordingly marked on the map as Cat Lake.
1896
They should have been at their maximum during the winter of 1893-4 but in the Great Slave Lake region, where I then was, the "pishew" or "link" was by no means common.
1911
True to their religion, the half-breeds seized their rifles, the bullets whistled harmlessly about the "Peshoo"--whereupon he turned and walked calmly up the slope, stopping to look at each fresh volley, but finally waved his stumpy tail and walked unharmed over the ridge.
2n.

the fur of the Canada lynx.

Quotations

1786
Exports [included] . . . Kitts 296, Pichoux 882. . . .
1806
They brought 22 Beaver skins carcassause and six Pechause belonging to the chief. . . .