| Summary: | gulch _Gulch_ is frequently classed as an Americanism, but evidence shows it to be older in Newfoundland usage which has also the archaic form _gulsh_, a rare local form _golsh_, _golch_,and _golds_, a wooded valley (if this can be considered the same word). The first U.S. usage cited in the DA is for a1842, _gulch_, a gully or small valley, but it is antedated by _gulsh_ in _Wix Journal_� for 1835. Newfoundland and Labrador usage I have heard, read in context or found in glossaries and word-lists, can be classified: [reverse] A long ravine or narrow valley leading inland from the sea, esp. from the head of a bight or inlet. 2. A short, "blind" inlet, esp. such from a bay or cove, between high cliffs and easily mistaken for a _tickle_; esp. such allowing insufficient space for a ship to turn. 3. [as most frequently also used in western Cdn/US speech] A gully or small valley, esp. a well-wooded valley having a stream passing through it. 4. _esp. Lab_. Any hollow or depression in the beach or in relatively flat land. 5. _esp. Lab._ Any ravine or canyon. 6. _perhaps local_ A pitch-hole or "cahot" in a snow-road. 7. _apparently local_ A pot-hole in a road. 8. A deep hole in a relatively shallow part of the ocean; a "whale hole" q.v. 9. The hollow between the waves. 10. A cave or hole in a cliff, esp. such flooded at high tide. 11. [< gulch v. < Provincial English (see esp. defs. 1 - 4); infl. by _glutch_ n.n.] A small drink; a swallow of liquor; a "glutch" q.v. _gulsh_ n. _archaic_ A _gulch_ (all meanings but esp. def. 1). _golds_ n. [< Devonshire dial. _goulds_, a wooded valley; infl. by and assimilated to _gulch_ _n._] A valley with forested sides. _golch_, _golsh_ n. _rare; local_ A gulch, (all meanings, but esp. def. 1). _Card 1_ of 4 cards (over) W. J. KIRWIN DEC 1972 JH DEC 1972 Used I and Sup Not used Reverse of card at G_15136.
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