rampike

American  

[ram-pahyk] / ˈræmˌpaɪk /

noun

Chiefly Canadian.

1. a dead tree, especially the bleached skeleton or splintered trunk of a tree killed by fire, lightning, or wind.

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Etymology

Origin of rampike

First recorded in 1585–95; origin unknown

Example Sentences

The sound jarred upon Carroll’s nerves, as the thud of the felled rampike had not done, but Vane picked up one of the chips and handed it to him.

From The Protector by Bindloss, Harold

Slipping furtively from rampike to rampike, now creeping, now worming his way like a snake, he made good time down to the very edge of the level.

From The Backwoodsmen by Roberts, Charles George Douglas, Sir

He took it from his comrade and, striding forward, attacked the nearest rampike.

From The Protector by Bindloss, Harold

Half a handful of these served for the moment to cajole his hunger, and he pressed briskly but warily along the ridge, availing himself of the shelter of every rampike in his path.

From The Backwoodsmen by Roberts, Charles George Douglas, Sir

She could see, in a broken fashion, to the very foot of the rampike, across which lay a huge fallen trunk.

From The Backwoodsmen by Roberts, Charles George Douglas, Sir