Reconstruction:Proto-Algonquian/penkwi

This Proto-Algonquian entry contains reconstructed terms and roots. As such, the term(s) in this entry are not directly attested, but are hypothesized to have existed based on comparative evidence.

Proto-Algonquian

Etymology

From Proto-Algic *penekwe, whence also Yurok penkw (“acorn flour”). (Compare Yurok pontet (“ashes”) and Wiyot p̣aⁿ-ṭút.)

Some scholars have suggested links to other language families, such as Proto-Salish *pəqʼʷ (“dust”).

Noun

*penkwi

1. dust, ash(es)

Descendants

• Plains Algonquian:
  • Cheyenne: páa'e (“ashes, powder”)
• Central Algonquian:
  • Plains Cree: pihko, ᐱᐦᑯ (“ashes, dust”)
  • Ojibwe: bingwi (“sand, ashes”)
  • Miami: pinkwi (“ashes”)
• Eastern Algonquian:
  • Abenaki: pegw- (“dust, ash”)
  • Penobscot: pəkʷ (“dust, ashes, dirt, powder”)
  • Powhatan: pungwe (“ashes”)
  • probably t'pgwan (“gravel, soil, ash”)
  • Mohegan-Pequot: puqi (“dust, ashes”)
  • Quiripi: puckwe (“dirt”)
  • Massachusett: pukquee (“ashes, dust”)
  • Munsee: pónkw (“dust”)
  • Unami: punkw (“ash, dust, powder”)
    • →? English: punk (“powdered rotten wood”)

References

• Siebert (1967)