Definition of "travois" [tra•vois]

• A frame slung between trailing poles and pulled by a dog or horse, formerly used by Plains Indians as a conveyance for goods and belongings. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "In smooth country, and when the sick or wounded person is not too badly off, the Indian and trapper "travois" or horse litter may be employed."
• ""travois," and the great pony herds, to the fastnesses of the Big Horn; and now comes the opportunity for which an old Indian-fighter has been anxiously waiting."
• "I drag it out with my drag rope or if it's too big I find a couple stong sticks and make a travois."