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shaganappi ((n.))
[< Algonk.;cf. Woods Cree pishaganabii < pishagan what is flayed + abii cord]
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Earlier spellings are exceptionally varied for this widely used term.
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
1n.
a thong of rawhide.
Quotations
1743
[Shag, a nap, pee or a string of Leather tauk' a miss.]
1749
These Bales are . . . tied up with Shackanappe in a close compact Manner.
1825
Shaganapie pack Cords lb 1d.
1872
The triangular shaped load is bound in one by folds of shaganappi twisted firmly but without a knot, after a regular fashion called the "diamond hitch."
1938
I take three poles, put them together, and tie them at one end with shaganappi.
1956
The packsaddle became an important part of the equipment with plenty of shaganappi for diamond hitches and knots.
2n.
rawhide.
Quotations
1880
One outfit consisted of a small pack-saddle, shaped something like a diminutive saw-horse . . . and girt with a broad belt of shaganappi.
1909
To add to its oddity, the shafts are heavy, straight beams, between which is harnessed an ox, the harness of rawhide (shaga-nappi) without buckles.
1963
The harness, made of raw buffalo-hide, the "shaganappi" of the North-west, served good purpose while it was kept dry, but when wet the story was quite different.
3n.
originally, a wild pony, a mustang; later generalized in the West as a name for any horse, often with a derogatory or contemptuous connotation.
Quotations
1886
[The term "shaganappi" came to be applied by the new settlers to everything in connection with a Red River outfit.]
1889
These native quadrupeds, in the Far West, are called cayeuses, or shagganappis.
1930
The half-breed whipped up his shaganappies and whirled away down the lake.
1956
Farm horses or shaganappies, the searing cold and outside camps were too much for them.