bois brûlé

[bwah broo-ley, bwah bry-ley]

noun

plural

bois brûlés 

1. Canadian Older Use.,  Métis.

bois-brûlé

/ ˌbwɑːbruːˈleɪ /

noun

1. Also called: Brule. archaic,  (sometimes capital) a mixed-race person of Canadian Indian and White (usually French Canadian) ancestry; Métis

Word History and Origins

Origin of bois-brûlé¹

First recorded in 1800–10; from French: literally, “burnt wood”

Word History and Origins

Origin of bois-brûlé¹

French, literally: burnt wood

Example Sentences

In company with two Chippewas and a bois-brulé of Red River, he set out for the southeast with the purpose of there finding the source of the Mississippi.

From Project Gutenberg

One might cut his enemy's throat and wash his hands in the life blood, or spend years in accomplishing revenge; but it is a question if there is a single instance on record of a Bois-Brulé molesting an enemy's family.

From Project Gutenberg

Notwithstanding these assertions, on the 23d of December I left the Fort, with Beauparlant and a Bois-brulé, each having a sledge drawn by dogs, laden with pemmican.

From Project Gutenberg

Notwithstanding these assertions on the 23rd of December I left the fort with Beauparlant and a Bois-brule, each having a sledge drawn by dogs, laden with pemmican.

From Project Gutenberg

This delay enabled Ensminger to recruit his crew, and during the three following days we ascended respectively six, seven, and ten miles, which brought us to the commencement of Bois-brule bottom.

From Project Gutenberg