Bodewash is an archaic North American term for dried buffalo or cow dung used as fuel.
Plain meaning
On grasslands where wood was scarce, dried dung could be gathered, stored, and burned for cooking or warmth.
Word status
The term is historical and dialectal rather than common modern English.
Related expression
In many sources, the more familiar expression is buffalo chips.
Frequently asked questions
What does bodewash mean?
Dried buffalo or cow dung used as fuel.
Is it the same as buffalo chips?
The terms can overlap, though buffalo chips is more familiar.
Where did the word come from?
It developed from American French bois de vache.
Why did people burn dung?
Because wood was scarce or costly to transport.
Did only settlers use it?
No. Indigenous and pastoral communities had longstanding fuel knowledge.
Is indoor burning safe?
Solid-fuel smoke can harm health; this site documents history rather than recommending use.