whelp
whelp
UK[wɛlp]US[wɛlp]
n
a young dog; a puppy.
n
the young of certain other animals, such as a lion, bear, or seal.
v
(of a female dog or other animal) to give birth to (young).
Etymology
the word "whelp" originates from the old english noun "hwelp," meaning a young dog or cub. this term is of germanic origin, related to old norse "hvelpr," dutch "welp," and german "welfe." it traces back to the proto-germanic root "hwelpaz." the word has remained remarkably stable in both form and core meaning throughout its history, specifically denoting the young of a canine or similar carnivorous mammal. its use as a verb, meaning to give birth, developed naturally from this noun sense in middle english, reflecting the animal's action of producing young.
Analysis
the word "whelp" is an old english simplex word. it is not productively formed from smaller, independent morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the lioness carefully guarded her newborn whelp in the den.
our dog is expected to whelp a litter of puppies next week.
in the old tale, the hunter found a wolf whelp alone in the forest.