A flat-bottomed boat made from animal hides stretched over a wooden frame, historically used on North American rivers by fur traders and explorers.
From 'bull' (originally made with bull hides, though other animal hides were used) + 'boat' (a watercraft). The name reflects the traditional material used in construction rather than the vessel's design.
Bullboats were ingeniously designed by Indigenous peoples and adopted by fur traders—they were so portable and durable that a single person could carry one, making them perfect for the vast river networks of the American frontier.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.