rabbit etymology

Etymology:

The word "rabbit" originated from the Middle French word "rabet" (14th century), which in turn came from the Old French word "rapet" (12th century).

Meaning:

Rabbit refers to a small, furry mammal belonging to the genus Oryctolagus or Sylvilagus, known for its long ears, short tail, and hopping gait.

Origin:

Proto-Indo-European Root:

• It is believed that the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root *rebh- gave rise to the word "rabbit." This root means "to move swiftly."

Ancient Languages:

• From PIE, the word evolved into the Proto-Germanic root *rabet-.
• In Old High German, it became "rabezzo" (8th century), and in Old English, it was known as "ræbbit" (12th century).

Romance Languages:

• The Latin word "cuniculus" also played a role in the etymology. In Old French, it became "conil" (11th century), which coexisted with "rapet."
• "Conil" eventually evolved into "lapin" (13th century) and later "lapin de garenne" (15th century), referring to rabbits kept in enclosures.

Modern Usage:

• The word "rabbit" was first used in English in the 15th century, and it gradually replaced the Old English term "ræbbit."
• In the 18th century, "rabbit" became the standard term for both wild and domesticated species.
• Today, the term "rabbit" is used in various contexts, including in zoology, cuisine, and popular culture.

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