A historical record of words and expressions characteristic of the various spheres of Canadian life during the almost four centuries that English has been spoken in Canada. Every term is supported by dated evidence from printed sources, which precludes the entering of terms with only oral evidence or terms that have fragmentary or otherwise inadequate printed evidence. Dictionary includes dated quotations, an extensive cross-referencing system, illustrative drawings, and explanatory notes related to usage, disputed origins, and other contentious matters.