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.
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
The poor old wanigan was almost buried by the river.
From The Riverman by Stewart Edward White
By this time the wanigan had caught the stronger current at the bend and was gathering momentum.
From The Riverman by Stewart Edward White
The wanigan for the rear crew was built.
From The Riverman by Stewart Edward White
By the end of the second day the pond was clear, and as Charlie's wanigan was drifting toward the chute, the first of Johnson's drive floated into the head of the pond.
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.
