Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun A rude boat made by the North American Indians, usually a shallow crate covered with the raw hide of the bull elk.
Etymologies
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Examples
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So I immediately got some buffalo hides to make a bull-boat, and in two days after my arrival was under way for some lower post, hoping to be able to reach Fort Pierre.
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Another method of ferrying streams is by means of what is called by the mountaineers a "_bull-boat_," the frame-work of which is made of willows bent into the shape of a short and wide skiff, with a flat bottom.
The Prairie Traveler A Hand-book for Overland Expeditions Randolph Barnes Marcy 1849
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Two men can easily build a _bull-boat_ of three hides in two days which will carry ten men with perfect safety.
The Prairie Traveler A Hand-book for Overland Expeditions Randolph Barnes Marcy 1849
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I was crossing the river in a bull-boat, which is nothing more than a tub, made of buffalo's skin, stretched on
History, Manners, and Customs of the North American Indians 1787-1854 Old Humphrey 1820
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_ No. After amusing themselves for some time at my expense, now and then diving under the tub, and then pulling down the edge of it level with the water, on receiving a few beads, or other trifles which I happened to have with me, they drew me and my bull-boat to the shore in safety.
History, Manners, and Customs of the North American Indians 1787-1854 Old Humphrey 1820
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The old chief, having learned that we were to cross the river, gave direction to one of the women of his numerous household, who took upon her head a skin-canoe (more familiarly called in this country, a bull-boat), made in the form of a large tub, of a buffalo's skin, stretched on a frame of willow boughs, which she carried to the water's edge; and placing it in the water, made signs for us three to get into it.
Letters and notes on the manners, customs, and conditions of the North American Indians 1841
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"bull-boat," from its being covered with a bull's hide, which, in construction and form, is perfectly identical with the Welsh "_cwrygl_."
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Crow), so that she paddled Mrs. Hall over in her hide "bull-boat," on our return, for twenty-five cents.
The American Missionary — Volume 50, No. 3, March, 1896 Various
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