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portage ((v.))
[< Cdn F < F]
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
1av.
carry (canoe, supplies, etc.) at a portage (def. la).
Quotations
1864
[We encountered] some falls where we were compelled to portage the canoes.
1914
We tried to explain by signs that we would like him to come back to our camp and help us to portage our stuff.
1966
[Caption] Pat Hall . . . leads way as canoe is portaged through the bush.
1bv. — Hist.
transport by means of a portage road (def. la).
See: portage road(def. 1a)
Quotations
1909
To portage these goods around Niagara Falls kept fifty or more farmers' waggons busy every day during the summer.
2v. — Maritimes, Obs.
carry or pack through the bush.
Quotations
1872
. . . we left the lake and portaged our horns, skins [etc], nearly twenty miles to a lumber camp, which we were fortunate enough to find occupied by a party of lumberers.
3av.
make a portage (def. 2a or 3).
Quotations
1897
After carefully considering the situation, we concluded to portage across the island of ice and launch on the other side.
1912
Landing, we looked over the rapids as far as we could see them and decided to portage.
1965
In the forest, water levels are more stable and a portage path becomes well established, indicating whether, where, and how far to portage
3bv. — Figurative use
Quotations
1959
Governor George Simpson portaged into view at the head of the fur traders of 1825, stopping off at Jasper House en route to the virgin forests of Oregon.
4av.
circumvent (a rapids, waterfall, etc.) by carrying craft and cargo.
Quotations
1900
"Why, we'll pole up . . . and portage the White Horse Rapids and the Box Cañon."
4bv.
cross (land) by carrying craft and cargo.
Quotations
1908
By canoe, this land could be portaged, and Iberville was probably the first man to blaze the trail across the swamp, which has been used by hunters from that day to this.