damisa

Hausa

Etymology

Unknown. Skinner suggests links to Proto-Bantu *ncímbá (“lion”) or Gwandara tamusu (“hyena”), but Blench rejects these in favour of a potential derivation from Tarakoid Benue-Congo; compare Pe ìdamu (“leopard”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /dàː.mí.sàː/
  • (Standard Kano Hausa) IPA^(key): [dàː.mɪ́.sàː]

Noun

dā̀misā̀ m or f (plural dāmisōshī or dā̀mìsū, possessed form dā̀misàn)

1. leopard