buffalo chips

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. the dried dung of buffalo used as fuel, especially by early settlers on the western plains.

Word History and Origins

Origin of buffalo chips¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

In the 1950s, stores sold gold-painted bison dung referred to as “buffalo chips.”

From National Geographic

On the ride out, Perilee had explained that homestead fires were fed with dried buffalo chips.

From Literature

Scraps of wood and "buffalo chips" made our fire, and presently Din had a good "feed" ready.

From Project Gutenberg

Regarding the other conveniences, such as fuel and other things, they had little difficulty, as the buffalo chips supplied the demands in abundance.

From Project Gutenberg

This man was so wonderful that he could change even the buffalo chips that you see on the prairie into meat.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• compost
• droppings
• dung
• excrement
• mulch