wanigan
Americannoun
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a lumberjack's trunk.
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a lumber camp's supply chest.
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a small house on wheels or tractor treads, used as an office or shelter in temporary lumber camps.
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(especially in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest) a lean-to or other small addition built onto a house trailer, cabin, etc.
noun
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a lumberjack's chest or box
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a cabin, caboose or houseboat
Etymology
Origin of wanigan
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”)
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
By this time the wanigan had caught the stronger current at the bend and was gathering momentum.
From The Riverman by Stewart Edward White
He departed, catching fragments of vows anent never going on any more errands for nobody, and getting his time if ever again he went away from his wanigan.
From The Riverman by Stewart Edward White
Outside, the cook and cookee were stowing articles in the already loaded wanigan.
From The Blazed Trail by Stewart Edward White
Orde pointed to the stern of the boat, revolving his hands in pantomime to show that the wanigan would be apt to upset if allowed to get side-on when freed.
From The Riverman by Stewart Edward White
When the wanigan was to be moved, he rose fairly to the heights of what might be called destructive prophecy.
From The Riverman by Stewart Edward White
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
