Reconstruction:Proto-Algonquian/wi·kiwa·ʔmi

This Proto-Algonquian entry contains reconstructed terms and roots. As such, the term(s) in this entry are not directly attested, but are hypothesized to have existed based on comparative evidence.

Proto-Algonquian

Alternative forms

• *mi·kiwa·ʔmi

Etymology

The term contains the third-person definite prefix *wi·-. That a form using the third-person indefinite prefix *mi·- (*mi·kiwa·ʔmi) was also in use is suggested by Cree mîkowâhp/ᒦᑯᐋᐧᐦᑊ (miikoaayhp), the Algonquin variant mîkïwâm, and m- forms in other child languages.

Noun

*wi·kiwa·ʔmi

1. house

Descendants

• Central Algonquian:
  • Menominee: we·kewam (“house, wigwam”), and according to some sources also wickiop (“house”)
  • Algonquin: wiigiwaam / wîkïwâm
  • Fox/Sauk: wîkiyâpi (“house”)
    • → English: wickiup
  • Miami: wiikiaami
  • Ojibwe: wiigiwaam (“wigwam, lodge”)
• Eastern Algonquian:
  • Abenaki: wigwôm (“house”)
  • Penobscot: wigwom (“house”)
    • → English: wigwam
  • Massachusett: wekuwomut (“in his (their) house”)
  • Mohegan-Pequot: wicuw (“house, wigwam”)
  • Unami: wikëwam (“house”)
  • Munsee: wíikwahm (“house”)
  • Mahican: weekwãʔm (“house”)

Massachusett (n)ik (“(my) house”), Mohegan-Pequot (n)ik (“(my) house”), and Quiripi weécho (“house”) may also derive from this root. Cheyenne vee'e (“tepee”) reflects *wi·ki.

See also *mi·kiwa·ʔmi.

Contrast Ojibwe waakaa'igan and Cree wâskahikan.

References

• Goddard (1982)
• “wigwam”, in Dictionary.com Unabridged, Dictionary.com, LLC, 1995–present., “wickiup”, in Dictionary.com Unabridged, Dictionary.com, LLC, 1995–present.
• Ningewance, Patricia M. Zagataagan: A Northern Ojibwe Dictionary. Anishaabemowin Ikidowinan gaa-niibidebii'igaadegin dago gaye ewemitigoozhiibii'igaadegin (2009)