parfleche

noun

par·​fleche ˈpär-ˌflesh How to pronounce parfleche (audio)
1
: a raw hide soaked in lye to remove the hair and dried
2
: an article (such as a bag or case) made of parfleche

Examples of parfleche in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The parfleche’s construction, patterns, and colors were passed down through generations, creating distinct visual identities for the tribes, and were quite common to see before colonization, but now exist mostly in museum collections. Diana Budds, Curbed, 12 Aug. 2022 The object is inspired by a traditional Kiowa parfleche, a type of container made from rawhide (deerskin that has not been tanned and is stiff). Birmingham Magazine, AL.com, 12 June 2017

Word History

Etymology

Canadian French parflèche, from French parer to ward off + flèche arrow

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of parfleche was in 1823

Dictionary Entries Near parfleche

Cite this Entry

“Parfleche.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parfleche. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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