babiche

[ buh-beesh ]

noun

1. (in the Pacific Northwest) cord, thread, or lacings made of rawhide, gut, or sinew, especially for making snowshoes.

babiche

/ bɑːˈbiːʃ /

noun

1. thongs or lacings of rawhide

Word History and Origins

Origin of babiche¹

First recorded in 1800–10; from Canadian French (la) babiche, from Mi'kmaq a·papi·č “cord, thread,” diminutive of a·papi from unattested Proto-Algonquian aʔlapa·py(i), aʔlapy- “net” + unattested -a·py- “string”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of babiche¹

C19: from Canadian French, of Algonquian origin

Example Sentences

Where the weight of the foot would rest he used a fine mesh of babiche or twisted sinew.

From Project Gutenberg

A broken piece of babiche hanging from it told the old story of a rifled cache, another evidence of the wolverine's handiwork.

From Project Gutenberg

Then there came the morning, very early, when the babiche collar and the iron chain were fastened to him again.

From Project Gutenberg

She wrapped blankets closely about her father's body, and tied them with babiche cord.

From Project Gutenberg

This time a stout babiche thong was tied to the collar round his neck, and he was fastened to a staple in the log wall.

From Project Gutenberg