Reconstruction:Proto-Algonquian/ta·paw-

This Proto-Algonquian 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.

Rhodes and Costa write that "vidence from Fox suggests that this was not originally a number word (see Goddard 2001: 173), as claimed by Siebert (1975: 308). Nonetheless, the existence of a Fox cognate guarantees a Proto-Algonquian source. Moreover, this root figures in the construction of words for 'seven' in certain Eastern languages", just like *nyi·šwi (“two”) figures in *nyi·šwa·šika (“seven”).

*ta·paw-^[1][2]

1. a particle of unclear meaning

• *ta·paw (“two, two of a kind”)
  • Eastern Algonquian:
    • Mi'kmaq: ta'pu (“two”)
    • Malecite-Passamaquoddy: tapu (“two (in counting)”) (perhaps borrowed from Mi'kmaq)
• *ta·pawa·ši (“seven”)^[3]
  • Eastern Algonquian:
    • Abenakian:
      • Abenaki: dôbawôz

        Sokoki: tbawz

      • Penobscot:

        Alnôbak: tabaúwus

    • Loup B: tanboens
    • Delawaran:
      • Mahican: tampawmns

        Moravian: tapauwaasch, tampawaunsh (Jefferson)

        Stockbridge: taupowwaus (Aupaumut), tupouwus (Edwards, Du Ponceau)

      • → Quiripi: túmpawa, tumpowa (perhaps borrowed from Munsee^[4])
    • Pamlico: toppoosh
    • Powhatan: toppawoss
• Unsorted formations:
  • Cree: (“seven”)

    Canadian syllabic script: ᑌᐸᑯᐦᑊ (tepakohp)

    Latin script: têpakohp

  • Fox: tâpô- (“side-by-side”)

• *nyi·šwi (“two”)