xacámitl

(Sp. model spelled same [xakál] < Nahuatl xacalli 'hut; cabin; house made of straw'; either from xacámitl 'adobe' and calli 'house' or from xalli 'sand')

   Texas: 1838. A primitive hut or shelter, especially one owned by a Mexican or Indian. The OED describes it as a hut built of poles or stakes plastered over with mud. It also indicates that such huts are common in Mexico and the Southwest. The DARE notes that the term may also refer to the method or material used to construct such a hut. It is referenced in the DRAE as a term used in Mexico for a hut or hovel. Santamaría adds that it commonly refers to a hut made of adobe, with roof made of straw or thin strips of wood.

    Alternate forms: hackel, jacel, jackall, jeccal.