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

By this time the wanigan had caught the stronger current at the bend and was gathering momentum.

From The Riverman by White, Stewart Edward

Billy Camp did not mind rain or cold—he would cheerfully cook away with the water dripping from his battered derby to his chubby and cold-purpled nose—but he did mind the wanigan.

From The Blazed Trail by White, Stewart Edward

As the wanigan neared the sluice through which it must shoot the flood-water, the excitement mounted to fever pitch.

From The Riverman by White, Stewart Edward

When the wanigan was to be moved, he rose fairly to the heights of what might be called destructive prophecy.

From The Riverman by White, Stewart Edward

The wanigan shot forward below the gate— WHACK!

From The Riverman by White, Stewart Edward