papoose
UK[pəˈpuːs]US[pæˈpuːs]
n
a type of bag or carrier for carrying a baby on one's back, traditionally used by some native north american peoples.
n
(dated, offensive) a young child of native north american parents.
Etymology
the word 'papoose' entered english in the early 17th century from the narragansett word 'papoos' or the massachusett word 'pappouse', both meaning 'child'. these terms originate from the algonquian language family, spoken by indigenous peoples of northeastern north america. english settlers adopted the term specifically to refer to native american infants and the distinctive carrying devices used for them. over time, its application narrowed primarily to the baby carrier, though its historical use as a term for a child is now considered dated and culturally insensitive.
Analysis
this word is a direct loanword from an algonquian language (likely narragansett or massachusett). it is not productively formed from classical roots within english and therefore cannot be segmented into meaningful english morphemes.
Examples
she carried her infant securely in a beautifully beaded papoose while gathering herbs.
the museum displayed a traditional papoose made of animal hide and wooden frame.
the use of the word 'papoose' to refer to a person is inappropriate and should be avoided.