Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CA-NOE', n. [canoo'; Fr. canot; Sp. canoa; It. canoe or canon. This is said to be of Indian origin; as all the Spanish historians of America, when they first mention the word, give an explanation of it: “Illa in terram suis lintribus, quas canoas vocant, eduxerunt.” P. Martyr.]

1. A boat used by rude nations, formed of the body or trunk of a tree, excavated, by cutting or burning, into a suitable shape. Similar boats are now used by civilized men, for fishing and other purposes. It is impelled by a paddle, instead of an oar.
2. A boat made of bark or skins, used by savages.