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Indian file. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
Indian file, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
Indian file in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
Indian file you have here. The definition of the word
Indian file will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
Indian file, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
Attested since the 18th century, as Native Americans traversed woods in this way.
Noun
Indian file
- (especially US, uncommon) Single file.
1791, Voyages And Travels Of An Indian Interpreter And Trader, page 69:In about an hour they returned very much intoxicated, singing their dead war songs, and every warrior naked, painted black from head to foot: as they approached the house in Indian file, each one repeated the following words […]
Usage notes
- Usually used as walk (march, approach, etc) Indian file (adverbially) or walk in Indian file. Until the 19th century, the form walk in an Indian file was sometimes encountered.