DCHP-3

rat ((n.))

Northwest
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

1n.

an aquatic rodent, Ondatra zibethica, common to many parts of North America and widely trapped for its valuable fur.

See: muskrat(def. 1)

Quotations

1584
There is greate store of . . . bevers, squirrells, badgers, and ratts excedinge greate, and divers other sortes of beastes for huntinge.
1824
Saw no appearance of the Otter, Rat or Mink [n] or have we yet seen any in the Rocky mountains. . . .
1962
Get a "Y" shaped stick and put the rat on it and roast slowly over an open fire.
2n.

the valuable fur of the muskrat.

See: muskrat(def. 2)

Quotations

1800
The first paid his Debt, the next, gave 40 Ratts en present, &. [telling] me he expected at least a Keg, &. a little stronger than I generally made it.
1944
I have caught both good and poor rats in both lakes and streams, and from my observations I am forced to believe that it is the food which makes the pelt wherever he is, and in the northwest we get the best rats from the lakes or marshes.
1962
Rats were made up into uniform packages of 600 rats and 2 large beaver.
3n.

the flesh of the muskrat used as food.

See: muskrat(def. 3)

Quotations

1882
They are living principally on rats and jackfish from Buffalo Lake.
1962
Duck . . . is good to eat when tired of roasted rat when hunting rats in the springtime.