< Reconstruction:Narragansett
Reconstruction:Narragansett/wek
 | This Narragansett 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. |
Narragansett
Etymology
From Proto-Algonquian *wiᐧki (“tent, home, place”).[1] According to Trumbull, the word *wek has the form of a third-person verb; compare wêtu and see the footnote there for more. Both are likely ultimately related to Proto-Algonquian *wi·kiwa·ʔmi, and hence English wigwam. Compare Massachusett wék, week (“(his) house”),[2] Lenape wik (“house”), wikit (“his house”).[3]
Noun
wek inan
- (his) house
- Synonym: wêtu
Declension
Declension of wek (inanimate, 5 forms attested)
| singular | plural | locative | |
|---|---|---|---|
| unpossessed | *-ek | *-ek-ash (-ass) | *-ek-ick |
| possessed forms | |||
| first-person (my) | *nek | *nek-ash (-ass) | nékick |
| second-person (your) | *kek | *kek-ash (-ass) | kékick |
| third-person (his, her) | *wek | *wek-ash (-ass) | wékick wêkick wk ick |
Related terms
- nowêkin
- tuckowêkin
- wékinash (possibly)
- wetu
References
- Hewson, John (2017), “*wiᐧki”, in Proto-Algonquian Online Dictionary, Carleton University, School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies
- James Hammond Trumbull (1903), “wék, week”, in Natick Dictionary, Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, OCLC 1038122077, page 189
- Eben Norton Horsford, editor (1887) Zeisberger's Indian dictionary, Cambridge, MA: John Wilson and Son, OCLC 466293544, page 97
Further reading
- F. O'Brien & J. Jennings (2001) Introduction to the Narragansett Language, Newport: Aquidneck Indian Council, LCCN 2001116679, page 89