DCHP-3

traverse ((1)) ((n.))

[< Cdn F < F "way across"]
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

1an. — Hist.

an open stretch of water, as a widening in a river or a course across a lake, where canoes or boats are required to leave the shelter of the shoreline.

Quotations

1789
From this stop Mackenzie sailed west-northwest "to the foot of a traverse, the opposite Land bearing South-West. . . ."
1860
No one ever yet attempted this "traverse" in small boats.
1bn.

especially in make a traverse, the journey, often dangerous, across such an open stretch.

Quotations

1793
Started at sunrise, made the traverse to the entrance of the Red River Streight.
1821
We had here a Traverse to make of about 3 Leagues.
1872
If overtaken . . . in a long traverse . . . across large bays and big lakes, the heavy "parla" (red canvas oilcloth) used to be thrown over the goods as a storm deck. . . .
1943
"You watch yourself, and wait for a good day afore ye make that traverse!"
1963
And following their example, we each stepped from the canoe wearing a cedar sprig in his hat; for this was the voyageur's way of telling the world a man had made his first traverse. . . .
2an. — Hist.

on the prairies, a stretch of open land between bluffs which were used for shelter, the open prairie being hazardous in winter.

Quotations

1799
My route lay directly across an open plain for 15 or 20 miles. About the middle of the traverse I was suddenly seized with a violent colic; the pain was so great that I could not keep my saddle.
1880
East of this, there is a treeless plain or "traverse, " as such tracts are called, probably because when once entered they must be crossed ere good camping-ground can be reached.
2bn. — Hist.

the journey across such a stretch of open prairie.

Quotations

1913
The trading and hunting parties sent out over these treeless prairies had many a battle with the blizzard in crossing them in winter by "traverses" occupying days between the infrequent patches where wood was to be found.
3n. — Obs.

a ford.

Quotations

1826
We could cross the river on a fallen tree and the horses could swim at an old traverse, a little below.
1827
The traverses today were deep and the current strong which obliged us to ford hand in hand for personal safety.
4n.

the act or process of carrying canoes, boats, supplies, etc. at such a place.

See: portage ((n.))(def. 2a).

Quotations

1963
. . . even then passengers and freight made a traverse across country over a height of land. . . .