coonskin
UK[ˈkuːnskɪn]US[ˈkuːnskɪn]
n
the skin or pelt of a raccoon, especially when dressed and used for clothing or as a rug.
Morpheme Breakdown
coon
skin
coon
the animal
skin
hide, pelt
Etymology
the word 'coonskin' is a straightforward compound noun formed in american english. its first element, 'coon', is a mid-18th century abbreviation of 'raccoon', itself borrowed from the algonquian language family, specifically from a virginia algonquian word meaning 'he scratches with his hands'. the second element, 'skin', derives from old english 'scinn', referring to an animal hide. the compound directly and literally denotes the pelt of the raccoon, which was historically a significant frontier commodity used for hats, coats, and as a trade good, famously associated with american pioneers and frontiersmen like davy crockett.
Analysis
Structure: coon + skin
coon (shortened from 'raccoon', of Algonquian origin, meaning 'the animal') + skin (from old english 'scinn', meaning 'hide, pelt').
Examples
the frontiersman wore a distinctive hat made from coonskin.
in the 18th century, coonskin was often used as a form of currency in remote settlements.
a vintage coonskin rug lay in front of the fireplace.