dry-gulch

or dry·gulch

[ drahy-guhlch ]

verb (used with object)

, Informal.

1. to ambush with the intent of killing or severely mauling:

   The riders were dry-gulched by bandits.

2. to betray by a sudden change of attitude or allegiance:

   The party dry-gulched its chief candidate at the convention.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dry-gulch¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

On this road was a bridge over Dry Gulch, which was in the spring a roaring torrent.

From Project Gutenberg

At times the dry gulch would hold a roaring torrent, although now it was no more than a gash in the bank.

From Project Gutenberg

Toward evening, at the bottom of a little dry gulch some eight feet deep, the horses decided it was a suitable place to stay.

From Project Gutenberg

Suddenly, like the roar of a flashflood that is just rounding the bend of a dry gulch, the syllables struck him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• assault
• surround
• trap
• waylay