A stream smaller than a “creek”; a brook.
1817. Even the smaller branches were swollen into large creeks, sweeping away fences, &c.—Boston Weekly Messenger, Aug. 21.
1826. It [the settlement] is intersected with numerous spring-branches, around which there are always found clumps of trees.—T. Flint, ‘Recollections,’ p. 192.
1833. He went to a branch, washed the blood from his body, borrowed some of his brother’s clothes, and ever afterward thanked him for being permitted to win for himself so much fame. [Note.] In the south and west, small streams are called Branches.—‘Sketches of D. Crockett,’ p. 190 (N.Y.).
1835. W. Irving. (N.E.D.)
1835. The chief rested beside a brooklet, or, as it is called in the south, a branch, that trickled across the path.—W. G. Simms, ‘The Yemassee,’ i. 26 (N.Y.).
1843. In the early spring, branches—(small creeks)—are brim full, and they hold a great deal.—B. R. Hall (‘Robert Carlton’), ‘The New Purchase,’ i. 58.
1843. I shall risk half a dollar now for the fun of the thing, and to have the satisfaction of knocking yonder [whiskey] barrel in the head and letting out the stuff into the branch here.—Id., i. 126.
1845. I combed my hair smoothly over the branch, which answered me at the same time for a looking-glass, and had the effect of making me much more satisfied with my personal appearance.—W. G. Simms, ‘The Wigwam and the Cabin,’ p. 103 (Lond.).
1845. “How far are you going, Mr. Sikes?” I inquired, endeavouring to shake off the lazy fit which inclined me to keep my seat. “Only jest up the branch a little bit—not beyont a mile from your fence, at the outside.”—W. T. Thompson, ‘Chronicles of Pineville,’ p. 165.
1848. Reached a dry branch; found a good pool of water, after following its course a mile. The buffalo paths are of great assistance to us in finding water. They lead to this pool from every direction.—C. W. Webber, ‘Old Hicks the Guide,’ p. 89 (N.Y.).
1852. A branch near the old-field on the FATIO grant.—Knickerbocker Mag., xl. 549 (Dec.).
