tarbogan

Noun

toboggan (plural toboggans)

1. A long sled without runners, with the front end curled upwards, which may be pulled across snow by a cord or used to coast down hills.
   • Toboggan has not yet found its Way into the dictionaries, and there are other ways of spelling it.1877, John Russell Bartlett, Dictionary of Americanisms, 2nd enlarged edition

   Synonyms:

   sled, sledge

2. (Canada, US) A similar sled of wood, pulled by dogs, possibly with steel runners, made to transport cargo.
   • The old toboggan has been laid aside, and sleighs or waggons dash along the streets.1847, Abraham Gesner, New Brunswick; with Notes for Emigrants: Comprehending the Early History, an Account of the Indians, Settlement, Topography, Statistics, Commerce, Timber, Manufactures...

   Synonyms:

   sledge, cariole, carriole

3. (figuratively) Something which, once it starts going (figuratively) downhill, is unstoppable until it reaches the bottom.
   • McGinnity began to hit the toboggan in 1906, after he had pitched his arm off the previous year. Last season his efforts at times were painful.1907, Joe Vila, The Sporting News, read in Gordon H. Fleming, The Unforgettable Season (2006)
4. (Southern US, Virginia, West, especially South Carolina, North Carolina) A knit cap, designed to provide warmth in cold weather.
   • Suppose we wish to make a pointed cap, such as used to be known as a toboggan cap, from yarn or worsted.1915, William Rush Dunton, Occupation therapy

   Synonyms:

   toboggan cap, watch cap, beanie, tuque

See all 7 meanings of toboggan