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wanigan
[< Algonk.; cf. Abnaki waniigan trap; container for odds and ends]
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
1an. — Lumbering
See 1935 quote.
Quotations
1902
Outside the cook and cookee were stowing articles in the already loaded wanigan.
1935
Wanigan, a receptacle in which small supplies or a reserve stock of goods are kept.
1bn. — Lumbering
See quote.
Quotations
1912
wanigan . . . a large chest in which lumbermen of New Brunswick, Maine and Minnesota keep their spare clothing, pipes, tobacco, etc. Called also wongan-box, and spelled wangun and wangan.
1cn. — Lumbering
a store operated by a logging company; commissary.
See: van ((n.))(def. 1)
Quotations
1966
The company ran little stores in the office called wannigans where you could get anything that was required in the line of clothing for bushwork
2n. — Lumbering
See quote.
Quotations
1912
Wanigan . . . a place in a lumber camp where accounts are kept and men paid.
3n. — Lumbering
a scow or raft equipped to accommodate loggers while engaged in a drive (def. lb).
Quotations
1912
Wanigan . . . a boat used on the rivers of New Brunswick and Maine for the transportation of the entire personnel of a logging camp, along with the tools of the camp and provisions for the trip.
1957
Three wanegans, a floating mess hall and cook shack, and six drive camps are maintained to keep the wood moving.
4an. — North
a type of dwelling on runners having some of the functions of a modern house-trailer.
See: caboose(def. 4b)
Quotations
1955
Log houses, built hastily by the early gold-rush pioneers, nestle beside the luxurious main hotel and the "wanigans"--the one-room houses on skids.
1966
While sleeping in a wanigan, a hut on sleds, I was awakened . . . by native children shouting. . . .
4bn. — North
a bunkhouse and cook-house on bobs, or runners, serving the needs of the crew on a cat-train or other group of vehicles. Also spelled wanegan, wangan, wannegan, wannigan, etc.
See: caboose(def. 5a)
Quotations
1949
With the availability of Wannegans for living, the convoy was restricted only by weather and equipment breakdowns from travelling day and night.
1949
The Wannegan has a sled mounted house type body made of light gauge metal, and heavily insulated for use in sub zero temperatures.
1955
wanigan . . . a small housekeeping shed mounted on runners and hauled behind an oversnow vehicle.
5n.
a warm, short laced boot.
Quotations
1966
Natural sheepskin wannigans for wear under overboots. Leather soles, heels. . . .