Lōde, n.

n. [A.-S. lād, lādu, course, conduct, from līdh-an, to be borne, to go, lædan, to lead. See LADE.]

1. (Mining.) A metallic vein, or any regular vein or course, whether metallic or not, but commonly a metallic vein. [Written also load.]
2. A cut or reach of water.

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