wampumpeag

[wom-puhm-peeg, wawm-]

noun

1. wampum.

Word History and Origins

Origin of wampumpeag¹

1620–30, earlier also wampampeak, wampompeage < Massachusett (cognate with Eastern Abenaki wάpαpəyak wampum beads; equivalent to Proto-Algonquian *wa·p- white + *-a·py- string + *-aki plural suffix)

Example Sentences

Agate, carnelian, jasper, lead, copper, gold, silver, terra-cotta, mica, pearl, lignite, coal, bone, shells, chalcedony, wampumpeag, etc.

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The natives used both these shells to manufacture their wampum, or wampumpeag, the delicate inner wreath of the periwinkle being preferred.

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The wampumpeag of the North American Indians is a case in point, as it certainly served as jewellery.

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They were called wampumpeag, were sewed on deer or other fine skins, and the belts thus made were used to emphasize points in negotiation or in treaties, or in speeches.

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Thus the singular peag currency, or wampumpeag, which was found in circulation among the North American Indians by the early explorers, was esteemed for the purpose of adornment, as already mentioned....

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