terrapin

Where does the word "terrapin" come from? It comes from Algonquian torope, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).

Terrapin’s story begins in Algonquian: torope meant “turtle.” The name for the North American turtle. It reached English by 1600s as terrapin. From an Algonquian word such as Powhatan 'torope'; terrapin stew was a Maryland delicacy. Today, terrapin means a small edible turtle living in fresh or brackish water.

1. Stage 1 · Algonquian · pre-1600s torope "turtle", the name for the North American turtle.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1600s terrapin "an edible North American turtle", from an Algonquian word such as Powhatan 'torope'; terrapin stew was a Maryland delicacy.