< Reconstruction:Proto-Algonquian

Reconstruction:Proto-Algonquian/na·pe·θkwa

This Proto-Algonquian entry contains reconstructed words 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

Alternative forms

Etymology

A 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

*na·pe·θkwa

  1. male bear

Descendants
  • Central Algonquian:
    • Ojibwe: naabekwa (“male bear”)
    • Algonquin: nâbek (“male bear”)
  • Eastern Algonquian:
    • Malecite-Passamaquoddy: napsq (“male bear”)

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
  • Guillaume Jacques, A Siouan-Algonquian Wanderwort: the name of the bear (2012; Amerindia, 36), which cites Siebert
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