Etymology Map
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Wapiti

2 stages from Shawnee/Cree to English.

Today it means the North American elk, a large deer species with impressive antlers

Where does the word "wapiti" come from? It comes from Shawnee/Cree waapiti, adopted directly into English (1810s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
waapiti
Shawnee/Cree · pre-1800s
"white rump, the North American elk"
literally 'white rump', describing the elk's pale rear patch
2
Stage 2 of 2
wapiti
English · 1810s
"the North American elk"
adopted by English-speaking settlers to distinguish the American elk from the European elk (moose)
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