1. A smoking rack for curing meat: This is the most common meaning of "boucan." It refers to a traditional method of preserving meat, especially beef, by smoking it over a slow fire on a rack. This process gives the meat a distinctive flavor and preserves it for longer periods. This practice is common in Caribbean countries like Haiti, Dominica, and Guadeloupe, where it was used by indigenous populations before European colonization.
2. A place for smoking meat: "Boucan" can also refer to the place itself where the smoking is done. This could be a specific location, such as a shed or a clearing in the woods.
It's important to note that the word "boucan" has a complex history. It originates from the Taíno language of the Caribbean, where it was used to describe both the smoking process and the place where it took place. After European colonization, the term was adopted into French and English, and its meaning evolved to encompass different aspects of the practice.
Therefore, when encountering "boucan," it's important to consider the context to determine the specific meaning intended.