parfleche

American  

[pahr-flesh, pahr-flesh] / ˈpɑr flɛʃ, pɑrˈflɛʃ /

noun

1. a rawhide that has been dried after having been soaked in a solution of lye and water to remove the hair.

2. an article or object, as a case, pouch, etc., made of such rawhide.

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parfleche British  

/ ˈpɑːflɛʃ /

noun

1. a sheet of rawhide that has been dried after soaking in lye and water to remove the hair

2. an object, such as a case, made of this

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Etymology

Origin of parfleche

1820–30; < Canadian French parflèche, equivalent to French par ( er ) to parry ( para- ² ) + flèche arrow

Example Sentences

She won the best in class for youth for her painted parfleche purse.

From New York Times • Aug. 21, 2015

Meriwether Lewis pointed to a skin parfleche and a knotted bandanna handkerchief which George Shannon carried for him.

From The Magnificent Adventure Being the Story of the World's Greatest Exploration and the Romance of a Very Gallant Gentleman by Hough, Emerson

Old men and boys crowded about the hero of the day, the dog, and the thoughtful grandmother of Matohinshda unharnessed him and poured some water from a parfleche water bag into a basin.

From Indian Heroes and Great Chieftains by Eastman, Charles Alexander

Tent covers and camp belongings were fastened on trailing travaux, ponies were laden with gayly painted parfleche packs, containing the fine garments of the people and the gifts to be presented to the Sioux.

From Indian Story and Song from North America by Fletcher, Alice C. (Alice Cunningham)

Bags and sacks were made of parfleche, usually ornamented with buckskin fringe, and painted with various designs in bright colors.

From Blackfoot Lodge Tales The Story of a Prairie People by Grinnell, George Bird