catamount etymology

Etymology

The word "catamount" is a combination of:

  • Cat: Derived from the Old French "chat" or Middle English "catte," meaning "domestic cat."
  • (Wild) Mount: Referring to the animal's large size and mountain habitat.

Meaning

Catamount refers to a large, wild cat native to North America, particularly the:

  • Cougar (Puma concolor)
  • Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis)
  • Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

Origin

The term "catamount" emerged in the 17th century in North America, likely as a colloquial or slang term for these large cats. It was used by European settlers who observed the animals in the wilderness and borrowed the "cat" element from names for domestic cats. The "mount" part alludes to the animals' mountainous habitat.

Over time, "catamount" became a widely recognized vernacular name for the species listed above, especially the cougar. However, as scientific classification advanced, the term gradually fell out of favor in favor of the more specific names "cougar," "lynx," and "bobcat."

catamount relate terms

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  • cata

    Etymology The word cata is derived from the Greek prefix κατά kata which means

  • catamount

    Etymology The word catamount is a combination of Cat Derived from the Old French c

  • cougar

    Etymology The word cougar derives from the Quechua term cuguacuar Meaning A cougar

  • panther

    Etymology The word panther originates from the Ancient Greek word πάνθηρ pánt

  • lynx

    Etymology Medieval Latin lynx from Greek λύγξ lynx Meaning A medium sized

  • pertain

    Etymology Latin pertinēre to belong to to have a relation to to concern Proto In

  • mountain

    Etymology The word mountain comes from the Old French word munt which in turn deriv

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  • onion

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  • portmanteau

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