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pottie
[< Cdn F; prob. from petit little (see 1773 quote), perhaps influenced by Cdn F potée person of little worth]
Fur Trade, Slang, Hist.
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
1n.
a member of the X.Y. Company.
Quotations
1773
[We had one Peter Pangman, a petty pedlar, down here [York Factory] to spy out the Market. . . .]
1800
[They] cannot keep their own Indians from going to trade with our people, who are so near a little Poté opposition & short of Goods at the same time.
1800
Last night, he gave a large keg to the Montagners . . . but as soon as he was out of sight they went to the Potties to take credits.
1897
The "X.Y. Co.," [was] also styled in derision the "Little Company" (whence probably the nickname "Potties," by Indian corruption of F. Les Petits, "Little Ones.")
1954
Meantime Simon McTavish was taking strong measures to meet the opposition from the X.Y. "potties."
2n.
a member of the Hudson's Bay Company. See quote.
See: Hudson's Bay Company
Quotations
1821
My services would be required as a bully in Athabasca to fight with and beat the servants of the H.B. Coy. (usually nick named "putties" by the N.W. Coy.).