chukfi

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Choctaw[edit]

Etymology[edit]

Sheep were unknown to the Choctaw until relatively recently, hence adopting the word for "rabbit". Compare Alabama chokfi, Chickasaw chokfi, Creek cufe.

Noun[edit]

chukfi

  1. rabbit
  2. sheep

Usage notes[edit]

The sense "sheep" can be distinguished from the sense "rabbit" with the adjective alhpoba (domesticated) (alternative forms: alhpowa, vlhpoba, vlhpowa). For example: chukfalhpoba and chukfi alhpoba "sheep" (literally, "domesticated rabbit").