PAPOOSE Meaning and
Definition
-
Papoose is a noun that refers to a traditional Native American baby carrier made from a woven material or animal hide. It is a cradleboard specifically designed to securely and comfortably hold infants or young children. The word "papoose" is derived from the Narragansett Native American word "papoos" or "pappoos", meaning "child".
The papoose cradleboard typically consists of a flat wooden board with a cushioned surface, covered with a cloth or animal skin. It features a curved or hooded structure at one end to protect the infant's head from various weather conditions. Straps or a harness system are attached to the cradleboard, allowing the caregiver to securely fasten the baby onto their back or against their chest while leaving their hands free for other tasks.
Papoose cradleboards have been used by Native American tribes for centuries across various regions of North America, including tribes such as the Apache, Navajo, and Lakota. They provided a practical and portable means for parents or caregivers to transport their babies, ensuring their safety while also nurturing close physical contact and bonding.
Today, the term "papoose" is occasionally used more broadly to refer to any type of baby carrier or sling, including modern designs made from different materials. However, it commonly retains its specific association with the traditional Native American cradleboard, evoking cultural and historical connotations.
-
A young child among the N. Amer. Indians.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PAPOOSE
Etymology of PAPOOSE
The word "papoose" originates from the Narragansett language. Narragansett is an Algonquian language spoken by the Narragansett people, an indigenous tribe living in what is now the New England region of the United States. The term "papoés" or "puppis" in Narragansett means "child" or "baby". When European settlers encountered this word, they anglicized and adopted it into English as "papoose" to refer specifically to a Native American infant or young child, especially one carried in a cradleboard or strapped to the mother's back. The word has since become used more generically to mean a Native American child in general.
Similar spelling words for PAPOOSE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
