Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun A stringy thread made from the roots of various conifers and used by certain Native American peoples in sewing and weaving.

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun The long slender roots of the white spruce, Picea alba, which are used by canoe-makers in north western North America for binding together the strips of birch-bark.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun US, Canada The root of the spruce, and sometimes also of the pine, split lengthwise into strips and used in the construction of baskets and canoes.

Etymologies

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

[Ojibwa wadab.]

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From Ojibwe wadab ("spruce root").

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Examples

  • In a country, therefore, where hemp and flax cannot be readily procured, the "watap" is of great value.

    Popular Adventure Tales Mayne Reid 1850

  • In a country, therefore, where hemp and flax cannot be readily procured, the "watap" is of great value.

    The Young Voyageurs Boy Hunters in the North Mayne Reid 1850

  • These threads are as strong as the best cords of hemp, and are known among the Indians by the name of "watap."

    Popular Adventure Tales Mayne Reid 1850

  • The watap, wet or dry, does not yield, and has therefore been found to be the best thing of all others for this purpose.

    The Young Voyageurs Boy Hunters in the North Mayne Reid 1850

  • The watap, wet or dry, does not yield, and has therefore been found to be the best thing of all others for this purpose.

    Popular Adventure Tales Mayne Reid 1850

  • Thus placed, they were all firmly lashed with strong cords of watap, by means of holes pierced in the bottom plank.

    Popular Adventure Tales Mayne Reid 1850

  • These threads are as strong as the best cords of hemp, and are known among the Indians by the name of "watap."

    The Young Voyageurs Boy Hunters in the North Mayne Reid 1850

  • Francois, who waited upon him with much diligence, handing him now the awl, and then the watap, whenever he required them.

    The Young Voyageurs Boy Hunters in the North Mayne Reid 1850

  • Thus placed, they were all firmly lashed with strong cords of watap, by means of holes pierced in the bottom plank.

    The Young Voyageurs Boy Hunters in the North Mayne Reid 1850

  • Of course it took Norman a considerable time to set all the ribs in their proper places, and fasten them securely; but he was ably assisted by François, who waited upon him with much diligence, handing him now the awl, and then the watap, whenever he required them.

    Popular Adventure Tales Mayne Reid 1850

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