prairie schooner

English

Etymology

From the sail-like appearance of the wagons' covers when traversing tall grass.

Noun

prairie schooner (plural prairie schooners)

1. (historical) A covered wagon, especially one of the relatively light, cheap, and boxy design popular in the United States during the 19th century.
   • 1864, Charles S. Bryant, Abel B. Murch, A History of the Great Massacre by the Sioux Indians, in Minnesota: Including the Personal Narratives of Many who Escaped, Rickey & Carroll, page 112:

     It was what we call a "prairie schooner," covered with cloth, a genuine emigrant wagon.

See also

• Conestoga wagon