I. ˈsīˌwȯsh, -wäsh noun
( -es )
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Chinook Jargon, from French sauvage savage, from Middle French — more at savage
1. Northwest : american indian — usually used disparagingly
2. : the jargon used by and in talking with Siwashes
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Usage: sometimes capitalized
intransitive verb
1. Northwest : to live or do things like a Siwash — often used with it
siwash it in some cabin up on the flats
2. Northwest : to camp or travel with little or no equipment : rough it
siwashing up there by the head of the ravine — Alaska Sportsman
— often used with it
transitive verb
: to do (something) in a slipshod manner ; especially : to haul (logs) so as to sideswipe trees and stumps
III. noun
( -es )
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: from Siwash, fictional college in stories by George Fitch died 1915 American author
: a small usually inland college that is notably provincial in outlook