wanigan

[ won-i-guhn ]

noun

1. a lumberjack's trunk.
2. a lumber camp's supply chest.
3. a small house on wheels or tractor treads, used as an office or shelter in temporary lumber camps.
4. (especially in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest) a lean-to or other small addition built onto a house trailer, cabin, etc.

wanigan

/ ˈwɒnɪgən /

noun

1. a lumberjack's chest or box
2. a cabin, caboose or houseboat

Word History and Origins

Origin of wanigan¹

First recorded in 1840–50; from Ojibwe wa·nikka·n “pit,” derivative of wa·nikke·- “to dig a hole in the ground” from unattested Proto-Algonquian wa·θehke·- (unattested wa·θ- “hole” + -ehke·- “make”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of wanigan¹

C19: from Algonquian

Example Sentences

The tribulations of the wanigan were as the salt of life to the spectators.

From Project Gutenberg

The cook had, early that morning, moored the wanigan to the bank.

From Project Gutenberg

By this time the wanigan had caught the stronger current at the bend and was gathering momentum.

From Project Gutenberg

Charlie's wanigan, in case you do not happen to know what such a thing may be, was a scow about twenty feet long by ten wide.

From Project Gutenberg

When the wanigan was to be moved, he rose fairly to the heights of what might be called destructive prophecy.

From Project Gutenberg