1814. Embarras, or rafts, formed by the collection of trees closely matted, and extending from twenty to thirty yards…. Passed an embarras, the most difficult since we started…. [Ascended the river] with difficulty, on account of the numerous embarras.—H. M. Brackenridge, ‘Journal,’ pp. 205, 208.
1867. Defined as an American term for places where the navigation of rivers is rendered difficult by the accumulation of driftwood.—Smyth, ‘Sailor’s Word-Book,’ s.v. (N.E.D.)
