chuck wagon

Western U.S. a wagon carrying cooking facilities and food for serving people working outdoors, as at a ranch or lumber camp.

Origin of chuck wagon

First recorded in 1860–65

He sought out Tom, who was over at the chuck-wagon, taking an early cup of coffee.

Rim o' the World |B. M. Bower
"Er—well, I took the chuck-wagon in yest'day and loaded 'er up with grub fer two weeks," blurted Applehead heroically.

The Heritage of the Sioux |B.M. Bower
Applehead, stowing a coil of new rope in the chuck-wagon, took off his hat and rubbed his shiny, pink pate in dismay.

The Heritage of the Sioux |B.M. Bower
"You ain't half-bad at the chuck-wagon, Miss Messiter," he told her.

Wyoming, a Story of the Outdoor West |William MacLeod Raine

He had already run a little back-fire to protect the tents and the chuck-wagon.

Dennison Grant |Robert Stead

chuck wagon

a wagon carrying provisions and cooking utensils for men, such as cowboys, who work in the open

C19: perhaps from chuck ² (beef, food)