wanigan

American  

[won-i-guhn] / ˈwɒn ɪ gən /

Also wangan,

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.

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wanigan British  

/ ˈwɒnɪgən /

noun

1. a lumberjack's chest or box

2. a cabin, caboose or houseboat

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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

This, after some difficulty, was made fast to the bow of the wanigan.

From The Riverman by White, Stewart Edward

When night came the men rode down stream to where the wanigan had made camp.

From The Blazed Trail by White, Stewart Edward

The poor old wanigan was almost buried by the river.

From The Riverman by White, Stewart Edward

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 White, Stewart Edward

Sind us some oakum and pitch and we'll caulk yure wanigan for ye.

From The Riverman by White, Stewart Edward