DCHP-3

runner ((1))

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

1a†n.

one of two longitudinal pieces on which a sled or sleigh glides over the snow or ice.

Quotations

1788
In every other part of America, sleighs and sleds are otherwise constructed, the runners are from nine to twelve inches high and are drawn by cross bars or hooks made fast to the upper part of the runners.
1829
. . . we observed on Saturday a skiff fixed on runners coming from Long Island.
1965
The caribou provided the interior people with . . . bone and antler to shoe the wooden sled runners. . . .
1b†n. — Hist.

a light, fast sleigh, often used in racing.

Quotations

1836
By 8 a.m. each man had his runner laden with something less than a hundred pounds' weight. . . .
1898
But he left behind him his 'runners.' He had not yet thrown up the game.
2an. — Hist.

a horse or pony trained for hunting buffalo.

See: buffalo runner(def. 1),run ((v.))(def. 2)

Quotations

1810
I had purchased another horse from him for 20 pints of liquor; this was a runner.
1849
The "runner" is tended with all the care which a cavalier of old bestowed on his war steed. . . .
1955
With the passing of the buffalo, the days of the runner were also numbered.
2bn. — Hist.

a mounted man, especially a Métis, who took part in a buffalo run (def. 1).

See: buffalo run(def. 1),buffalo runner(def. 2),run ((v.))(def. 2)

Quotations

1858
Breakfast finished, our "runners" saddled and mounted. . . .
1862
In these expeditions the "runners"--ie. a select band of the best equipped, best-mounted, most experienced and most daring horsemen--are of course the only ones in danger. . . .
3n.

a man on snowshoes who runs ahead of a dog team making a passable track in new or deep snow.

See: forerunner,run ((v.))(def. 5)

Quotations

1867
The man was a famous runner . . . despite the disadvantage of small tripping snow-shoes. . . .
1921
The "runner's" duty is to travel in front of the dogs picking out and breaking the trail. It is also his duty to clear away with an axe any trees which may have been blown across the road.
1934
There was also Donald Flett, a wonderful runner and a dog-driver of renown.