Lode \Lode\, n. [AS. l[=a]d way, journey, fr. l[=i][eth]an to go. See Lead to guide, and cf. Load a burden.]

1. A water course or way; a reach of water.

Down that long, dark lode . . . he and his brother skated home in triumph. --C. Kingsley.

2. (Mining) A metallic vein; any regular vein or course, whether metallic or not.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)