Reconstruction:Proto-Algonquian/na·pe·θkwa
Proto-Algonquian
editAlternative forms
edit- *na·pe·ɬkwa (alternative orthography)
Etymology
editA compound, possibly formed at a pre-Proto-Algonquian date, of elements corresponding to *na·pe·wa (“man, male”) (or a related word) + *maθkwa (“bear”).
Noun
edit*na·pe·θkwa
Descendants
edit- Central Algonquian:
- Eastern Algonquian:
Compare Cree nâpemaskwa/ᓈᐯᒪᐢᑲᐧ (naapemaskay, “male bear”), which was formed within Cree (i.e. post-PA) and so preserves the full second element (maskwa).
References
edit- Guillaume Jacques, A Siouan-Algonquian Wanderwort: the name of the bear (2012; Amerindia, 36), which cites Siebert