upon a modification of the five vowel sounds. Possessives are likewise
founded upon the basis of the vowel sounds. There are five declensions
of the noun to mark the possessive, ending in the possessive in âm,
eem, im, ôm, um, oom. Where the nominative ends with a vowel, the
possessive is made by adding the letter m, as in maimai, a woodcock, ni
maimaim, my woodcock, &c. Where the nominative ends in a consonant, as
in ais, a shell, the full possessive inflection is required, making nin
dais-im, my shell. In the latter form the consonant d, is interposed
between the pronoun and noun, and sounded with the noun, in conformity
with a general rule. Where the nominative ends in the broad, in lieu
of the long sound of a, as in ogimâ, a chief—the possessive is âm. The
sound of i, in the third declension, is that of i in pin, and the sound
of u, in the fifth declension, is that of u in bull. The latter will be
uniformly represented by oo.
The possessive declensions run throughout both the animate and
inanimate classes of nouns, with some exceptions in the latter—as
knife, bowl, paddle, &c.
Inanimate nouns are thus declined.
Nominative, Ishkôdai, Fire.
{ My, Nin Dishkod-aim.
{ Thy, Ki Dishkod-aim.
{ His, O Dishkod-aim.
Possessive. { Our, Ki Dishkod-aim-inân. (in.)
{ — Ni Dishkod-aim-inân. (ex.)
{ Your, Ki Dishkod-aim-iwâ.
{ Their, O Dishkod-aim-iwâ.
Those words which form exceptions from this declension, take the
separable pronouns before them, as follows.
Môkoman, A Knife.
Ni môkoman, My Knife.
Ki môkoman, Thy Knife.
O môkoman, His Knife, &c.
Animate substantives are declined precisely in the same manner as
inanimate, except in the third person, which takes to the possessive
inflections, aim, eem, im, ôm, oom, the objective particle un, denoting
the compound inflection of this person, both in the singular and
plural, aimun, eemun, imun, ômun, oomun, and the variation of the
first vowel sound, âmun. Thus, to furnish an example of the second
declension, pizhik’i, a bison, changes its forms to nim, bizhik-im, my
bison—ke bizhik-im, thy bison, O bizhik-imun, his bison, or bisons.
The cause of this double inflection in the third person, may be left
for future inquiry. But we may add further examples in aid of it. We
cannot simply say, The chief has killed a bear, or, to reverse the
object upon which the energy of the verb is exerted, The bear has
killed a chief. But, ogimâ ogi nissân mukwun, literally, _Chief he has
killed him bear_, or, mukwah ogi nissân ogimân, _Bear he has killed
him chief_. Here the verb and the noun are both objective in _un_,
which is sounded ân, where it comes after the broad sound of a, as in
nissân, objective of the verb to kill. If we confer the powers of the
English possessive, (’s) upon the inflections aim, eem, im, ôm, oom,
and âm respectively, and the meaning of _him_, and of course he, her,
his, hers, they, theirs, (as there is no declension of the pronoun,
and no number to the third person) upon the objective particle un, we
shall then translate the above expression, o bizhik-eemum, _his bison’s
hisn_. If we reject this meaning, as I think we should, the sentence
would read, His bison—him—a mere tautology.
It is true, it may be remarked, that the noun possessed, has a
corresponding termination, or pronominal correspondence, with the
pronoun possessor, also a final termination indicative of its being
the _object_ on which the verb exerts its influence—a mode of
expression, which, so far as relates to the possessive, would be deemed
superfluous, in modern languages; but may have some analogy in the
Latin accusatives am, um, em.
It is a constant and unremitting aim in the Indian languages to
distinguish the actor from the object, partly by prefixes, and partly
by inseparable suffixes. That the termination _un_, is one of these
inseparable particles, and that its office, while it confounds the
number, is to designate the object, appears probable from the fact,
that it retains its connexion with the noun, whether the latter follow
or precede the verb, or whatever its position in the sentence may be.
Thus we can, without any perplexity in the meaning say,
_Waimittigôzhiwug ogi sagiân Pontiac-un_, Frenchmen they did love
Pontiac him. Or to reverse it, _Pontiac-un Waimittigôzhiwug ogi
sagiân_, Pontiac, he did Frenchmen he loved. The termination un in both
instances, clearly determines the object beloved. So in the following
instance, _Sagunoshug ogi sagiân Tecumseh-un_, Englishmen, they did
love Tecumseh, or _Tecumseh-un Sagunoshug oji sagiân_, Tecumseh, he did
Englishmen he loved.
In tracing the operation of this rule, through the doublings of the
language, it is necessary to distinguish every modification of sound,
whether it is accompanied, or not accompanied by a modification of
the sense. The particle un, which thus marks _the third person and
persons_, is sometimes pronounced _wun_, and sometimes _yun_, as the
harmony of the word to which it is suffixed, may require. But not the
slightest change is thereby made in its meaning.
Wâbojeeg ogi meegân-ân nâdowaisi-wun.
Wâbojeeg fought his enemies. L. W. he did fight them, his enemy, or
enemies.
O sâgi-ân inini-wun.
He, or she loves a man. L. He, or she, loves him-man, or men.
Kigo-yun waindji pimmâdizziwâd.
They subsist on fish. L. Fish or fishes, they upon them, they live.
Ontwa o sagiân odi-yun.
Ontwa loves his dog. L. O. he loves him, his dog, or dogs.
In these sentences the letters w and y are introduced before the
inflection un, merely for euphony’s sake, and to enable the speaker
to utter the final vowel of the substantive, and the inflective
vowel, without placing both under the accent. It is to be remarked in
these examples, that the verb has a corresponding inflection with the
noun, indicated by the final consonant n, as in sagiâ-n, objective
of the verb to love. This is merely a modification of un, where it
is requisite to employ it after broad a (aw,) and it is applicable
to nouns as well as verbs whenever they end in that sound. Thus, in
the phrase, he saw a chief, O wâbumâ-n O gimâ-n, both noun and verb
terminate in n. It is immaterial to the sense, which precedes. And this
leads to the conclusion, which we are, in some measure, compelled to
state, in anticipation of our remarks on the verb. That verbs must not
only agree with their nominatives in number, person and _gender_ (we
use the latter term for want of a more appropriate one,) but also with
their objectives. Hence the objective sign n, in the above examples.
Sometimes this sign is removed from the ending of the verb, to make
room for the plural of the nominative person, and is subjoined to the
latter. Thus,
O sagiâ(wâ)n.
They love them, him or them.
In this phrase the interposed syllable (wâ) is, apparently, the
plural—it is a reflective plural—of _he_—the latter being, indicated
as usual, by the sign O. It has been observed, above, that the
deficiency in number, in the third person, is sometimes supplied “by
numerical inflections in the relative words of the sentence,” and this
interposed particle, (wâ) affords an instance in point. The number of
the nominative pronoun appears to be thus rendered precise, but the
objective is still indefinite.
When two nouns are used without a verb in the sentence, or when two
nouns compose the whole matter uttered, being in the third person, both
have the full objective inflection. Thus,
Os-(un.) Odi-(yun.)
His father’s dog. L. His father—his dog or dogs.
There are certain words, however, which will not admit the objective
_un_, either in its simple or modified forms. These are rendered
objective in een, or ôn.
O wâbumâ-(n,) ossin-(een.)
He sees the stone. L. He sees him—stone or stones.
O wâbumâ-(n) mittig o mizh-(een.) L. He sees him, tree or trees.
He sees an oak tree.
O mittig wâb (een,) gyai o bikwuk-(ôn.)
His bow and his arrows. L. His bow him, and his arrows him or them.
Odyâ | wâ | wâ (n,) akkik-(ôn.)
They possess a kettle. L. They own them, kettle or kettles.
The syllable wâ, in the verb of the last example included between bars,
(instead of parentheses,) is the reflective plural _they_, pointed out
in a preceding instance.
I shall conclude these remarks, with full examples of each pronominal
declension.
a. First declension, forming the first and second persons in _aim_, and
the third in _aimun_.
Nominative. { Pinâi, a partridge.
{ Pinâi-wug, partridges.
{ My Nim Bin-aim.
{ Thy Ki Bin-aim.
1 & 2d P. { Our Ki Bin-aim inân. Inclusive plural.
{ Our Ni Bin-aiminân. Exclusive plural.
{ Your Ki Bin-aim wâ.
3rd P. { His O Bin-aim, (un.)
{ Their O Bin-aim iwâ (n.)
e. Second declension forming the first and second persons in _eem_, and
the third in _eemun_,
{ Ossin, a stone.
Nominative. { Ossineen, stones.
{ My Nin Dossin-eem.
{ Thy Ki Dossin-eem.
1 & 2 P. { Our Ki Dossin-eeminân. (in.)
{ Our Ni Dossin-eeminân. (ex.)
{ Your Ke Dossin-eemewâ.
3rd P. { His O Dossin-eem(un.)
{ Their O Dossin-eemewâ (n.)
i. Third declension forming the first and second persons in _im_, and
the third in _imun_.
Nominative. {Ais, a shell.
{Ais-ug, shells.
{My Nin Dais-im.
{Thy Ki Dais-im.
1 & 2d P. {Our Ki Dais-iminân. (in.)
{Our Ni Dais-iminân. (ex.)
{Your Ki Dais-imiwâ.
3rd P. {His O Dais-im (un.)
{Their O Dais-imewâ (n.)
o. Fourth declension forming the first and second persons in _ôm_, and
the third in _ômun_.
Nominative. {Monidô, a Spirit.
{Monidôg, Spirits.
{My Ni Monid-ôm.
{Thy Ki Monid-ôm.
1 & 2 P. {Our Ki Monid-ôminân. (in.)
{Our Ni Monid-ôminân. (ex.)
{Your Ki Monid-ômiwâ.
3rd P. {His O monid-ôm (un.)
{Their O Monid-ômewâ (n.)
u. (oo) Fifth declension forming the first and second persons in _oom_,
and the third in _oomun_.
Nominative. {Môz, a Moose.
{Môzôg, Moose.
{My Ni Môz-oom.
{Thy Ki Môz-oom.
1 & 2 P. {Our Ki Môz-oominân. (in.)
{Our Ki Môz-oominân. (ex.)
{Your Ki Môz-oominân. (in.)
3rd P. {His O Môz oom (un.)
{Their O Môz oomiwa (n.)
aw. Additional declension, required when the noun ends in the broad,
instead of the long sound of a, forming the possessive in _âm_, and the
objective in _âmun_.
Nominative. {Ogimâ, a Chief.
{Ogimâg, Chiefs.
{My Ni Dôgim âm.
{Thy Ki Dôgim âm
1 & 2 P. {Our Ki Dôgim âminân. (in.)
{Our Ni Dôgim âminân. (ex.)
{Your Ki Dôgim âmiwâ.
3 P {His O Dôgim âm (un.)
{Their O Dôgim âmiwâ (n.)
The abbreviations, _in._ and _ex._ in these declensions, mark the
inclusive and exclusive forms of the pronoun plural. The inflection
of the third person, as it is superadded to the first and second, is
included between parentheses, that the eye, unaccustomed to these
extended forms, may readily detect it.
Where the inseparable, instead of the separable pronoun is employed,
the possessive inflection of the first and second person is dispensed
with, although the inflection of the third is still retained.
Os: Father.
_S. singular._
Nos. My father.
Kos. Thy father.
Os-un, His father. _Sing. and plural._
Nos-inân. Our father. (ex.)
Kos-inân. Our father. (in.)
Kos-iwâ. Your father.
Os-iwân. Their father. _Sing. and plural._
_S. plural._
Nos-ug. My fathers.
Kos-ug. Thy fathers.
Os-un. His fathers. _Sing. and plural._
Nos-inân ig. Our fathers. (ex.)
Kos-inân ig. Our fathers. (in.)
Kos-iwâg. Your fathers.
Os-iwân. Their fathers. _Sing. and plural._
The word dog, and this word alone, is declined in the following manner.
Annimoosh: a Dog.
_S. singular._
Nin Dy (or Di) My dog.
Ki Dy Thy dog.
O Dy-un His dog or dogs.
Ki Dy-inân Our dog (in.)
Ni Dy-inân Our dog (ex.)
Ki Dy-iwâ Your dog.
O Dy-iwân Their dog, &c.
_S. plural._
Nin Dy-ug My dogs.
Ki Dy-ug Thy dogs.
O Dy-un His dogs, &c.
Ki Dy-inânig Our dogs (in.)
Ni Dy-inânig Our dogs (ex.)
Ki Dy-iwâg Your dogs.
O Dy-iwân His dogs, &c.
The word _Dy_ which supplies this declension is derived from _Indyiàm_
mine. _pron. an._—a derivative form of the word, which is, however
exclusively restricted, in its meaning, to the dog. If the expression
Nin Dy or N’ Dy, is sometimes applied to the horse, it is because it
is thereby intended to call him, my dog, from his being in a state of
servitude similar to that of the dog. It must be borne in mind, as
connected with this subject, that the dog, in high northern latitudes,
and even as far south as 42 deg. is both a beast of draught and of
burden. He is compelled during the winter season to draw the _odàban_,
or Indian sleigh; and sometimes to support the burden upon his back, by
means of a kind of drag constructed of slender poles.
A review of the facts which have been brought together respecting the
substantive, will show that the separable or inseparable pronouns under
the form of prefixes, are throughout required. It will also indicate,
that the inflections of the first and second persons which occupy
the place of possessives, and those of the third person, resembling
objectives, pertain to words, which are either primitives, or denote
but a single object, as moose, fire. There is, however another class of
substantives, or substantive expressions, and an extensive class—for
it embraces a great portion of the compound descriptive terms—in the
use of which, no pronominal prefixes are required, The distinctions
of person are, exclusively, supplied by pronominal suffixes. Of this
character are the words descriptive of country, place of dwelling,
field of battle, place of employment, &c. The following example will
furnish the inflexions applicable to this entire class of words.
Aindâd: Home, or place of dwelling.
_S. singular._
Aindâ-yân. My home.
Aindâ-yun. Thy home.
Aindâ-d. His home.
Aindâ-yâng. Our home. (Ex.)
Aindâ-yung. Our home. (in.)
Aindâ-yaig. Your home.
Aindâ-wâd. Their home.
_S. plural._
Aindâ-yân-in. My homes.
Aindâ-yun-in. Thy homes.
Aindâ-jin. His homes.
Aindâ-yâng-in. Our homes. (ex.)
Aindâ-yung-in. Our homes. (in.)
Aindâ-yaig-in. Your homes.
Aindâ-wâdjin. Their homes.
LECTURE II.
_Further Remarks on the Substantive. Local, diminutive, derogative,
and tensal inflections. Mode in which the latter are employed
to denote the disease of individuals, and to indicate the past
and future seasons. Restricted or sexual terms. Conversion of
the substantive into a verb, and the reciprocal character of the
verb, by which it is converted into a substantive. Derivative and
compound substantives. Summary of the properties of this part of
speech._
In the view which has been taken of the substantive in the preceding
lecture, it has been deemed proper to exclude several topics,
which, from their peculiarities, it was believed, could be more
satisfactorily discussed in a separate form. Of this character are
those modifications of the substantive by which locality, diminution, a
defective quality, and the past tense are expressed; by which various
adjective and adverbial significations are given; and finally, the
substantives themselves converted into verbs. Such are also the mode
of indicating the masculine and feminine (both merged, as we have
shown, in the animate class) and those words which are of a strictly
_sexual_ character, or are restricted in their _use_ either to males
or females. Not less interesting is the manner of forming derivatives,
and of conferring upon the derivatives so formed, a _personality_,
distinguished as either animate or inanimate, at the option of the
speaker.
Much of the flexibility of the substantive is derived from these
properties, and they undoubtedly add much to the figurative character
of the language. Some of them have been thought analogous to case,
particularly that inflection of the noun which indicates the locality
of the object. But if so, then there would be equally strong reasons
for establishing an _adjective_, and an _adverbial_, as well as a
_local_ case, and a plurality of forms in each. But it is believed
that no such necessity exists. There is no regular declension of
these forms, and they are all used under limitations and restrictions
incompatible with the true principles of case.
It is under this view of the subject, that the discussion of these
forms has been transferred, together with the other accidents of the
substantive just adverted to, and reserved, as the subject matter of a
separate lecture. And in now proceeding to express the conclusions at
which we have arrived touching these points, it will be an object so to
compress and arrange the materials before us, as to present within a
small compass, the leading facts and examples, upon which each separate
position depends.
1. That quality of the noun, which, in the shape of an inflection,
denotes the relative situation of the object, by the contiguous
position of some accessory object, is expressed in the English
language, by the prepositions _in_, _into_, _at_, or _on_. In the
Indian they are denoted by an inflection. Thus the phrase, In the box,
is rendered in the Indian by one word, _mukukoong_. Of this word,
mukuk, simply, is box. The termination _oong_, denoting the locality,
not of the box, but of the object sought after. The expression appears
to be precise, although there is no definite article in the language.
The substantive takes this form, most commonly, after a question has
been put, as, Anindl ni môkoman-ais? where is my penknife? Mukukoong,
(in the box,) addôpowin-ing, (on the table,) are definite replies
to this question. But the form is not restricted to this relation.
Chimân-ing n’guh pôz, I shall embark in the canoe; wakyigun n’guh izhâ,
I shall go into the house, are perfectly correct, though somewhat
formal expressions, when the canoe or the house are present to the
speaker’s view.
The meaning of these inflections has been restricted to _in_,
_into_, _at_, and _on_. But they are the more appropriate forms of
expressing the three first senses, there being other modes beside
these of expressing the preposition _on_. These modes consist in
the use of prepositions and will be explained under that head. The
choice of the one, or the other, is, however, with the speaker.
Generally, the inflection is employed, when there is some circumstance
or condition of the noun, either concealed, or not fully apparent.
Thus, Muzzinyigun-ing, is the appropriate term for _in the book_, and
_may_ also be used to signify _on the book_. But if it is meant only
to signify _on_ the book, something visible being referred to, the
preposition _ogidj_ would be used, that word indicating with certainty
_on_, and never _in_. Wakyigun-ing indicates with clearness, _in
the house_; but if it is necessary to say _on the house_, and it be
meant at the same time to exclude any reference to the interior, the
expression would be changed to _ogidj wakyigun_.
It will be proper further to remark, in this place, in the way of
limitation, that there is also a separate preposition signifying
_in_. It is _pinj_. But the use of this word does not, in all cases,
supersede the necessity of inflecting the noun. Thus the expression
_pindigain_, is literally _walk in_, or enter. But if it is intended
to say, walk in the house, the local, and not the simple form of house
must be used; and the expression is—Pindigain waky´igun-ing, _Enter in
the house_,—the verbal form which this preposition pinj puts on, having
no allusion to the act of _walking_, but merely implying position.
The local inflection, which in the above examples, is _ing_ and _oong_,
is further changed to _aing_ and _eeng_, as the ear may direct—changes
which are governed chiefly by the terminal vowel of the noun. Examples
will best supply the rule, as well as the exceptions to it.
SIMPLE FORM. LOCAL FORM.
a. First inflection in _aing_.
Ishkodai Fire Ishkod-aing In, &c. the fire.
Muskodai Prairie Muskod-aing In, &c. the prairie.
Mukkuddai Powder Mukkud-aing In, &c. the powder.
Pimmedai Grease Pimmid-aing In, &c. the grease.
e. Second inflection in _eeng_.[26]
Seebi River Seeb-eeng In, &c. the river.
Neebi Water Neeb-eeng In, &c. the water.
Miskwi Blood Miskw-eeng In, &c. the blood.
Unneeb Elm Unneeb-eeng In, &c. the elm.
i. Third inflection in _ing_.
Kôn Snow Kôn-ing In, &c. the snow.
Min Berry Meen-ing In, &c. the berry.
Chimân Canoe Chimân-ing In, &c. the canoe.
Muzziny´egun Book Muzziny´egun-ing In, &c. the book.
o. Fourth inflection in _oong_.
Azhibik Rock Azhibik-oong In, &c. the rock.
Gizhig Sky Gizhig-oong In, &c. the sky.
Kimmiwun Rain Kimmiwun-oong In, &c. the rain.
Akkik Kettle Akkik-oong In, &c. the kettle.
Throw it in the fire.
1. Puggidôn ishkod-aing.
Go into the prairie.
2. Muskôdaing izhân.
He is in the elm.
3. Unneeb-eeng iâ.
It is on the water.
4. Nib-eeng attai.
Put it on the table.
5. Addôpôwin-ing attôn.
Look in the book.
6. Enâbin muzziny´igun-ing.
You stand in the rain.
7. Kimmiwun-oong ki nibow.
What have you in that box.
8. Waigonain aitaig mukuk-oong.
Put it in the kettle.
9. Akkik-oong attôn, or Pôdawain.
My bow is not in the lodge; neither is it in the canoe,
nor on the rock.
10. Kâwin _pindig_ iâsi ni mittigwâb; kâwiuh gyai
chimân-_ing_; kâwin gyai âzhibik-_oong_.
An attentive inspection of these examples will show, that the
local form pertains either to such nouns of the animate class, as
are in their nature inanimates, or at most possessed of vegetable
life. And here another conclusion presses upon us—that where these
local terminations, in all their variety, are added to the names of
animated beings, when such names are the nominatives of adjectives or
adjective-nouns, these words are converted into terms of qualification,
indicating _like_, _resembling_, _equal_. Thus, if we wish to say to
a boy, he is like a man, the expression is, Inin-ing izzhinâgozzi;
or if to a man, he is like a bear, Mukk-oong izzhinâgozzi; or to a
bear, he is like a horse, Pabaizhikogâzh-ing izzhinâgozzi. In all
these expressions the word _izzhi_, is combined with the pronominal
inflection _â_ (or nâ) and the animate termination _gozzi_. And the
inflection of the nominative is merely an adjective correspondence
with _izzhi_:—a term indicative of the general qualities of persons
or animated beings. Where a comparison is instituted or a resemblance
pointed out between inanimate instead of animate objects, the
inflection _gozzi_, is changed to _gwud_, rendering the expression,
which was, in the animate form, izzhinâ_gozzi_, in the inanimate form,
izzhinâ_gwud_.
There is another variation of the local form of the noun, in
addition to those above instanced, indicative of locality in a more
general sense. It is formed by _ong_ or _nong_—frequent terminations
in geographical names. Thus from Ojibwai, (Chippewa), is formed
Ojibwai_nong_, Place of the Chippewas. From Wamittigozhiwug, Frenchmen,
is formed Wamittigozhi_nong_, Place of Frenchmen. From Ishpatinâ hill,
Ishpatinong, Place of the hill, &c. The termination _ing_, is also
sometimes employed in this more general sense, as in the following
names of places.
Monomonikân_ing_. In the place of wild rice.
Moninggwunikân_ing_. In the place of Sparrows.
Ongwashagoosh_ing_. In the place of the fallen tree. &c.
2. The diminutive forms of the noun are indicated by ais, eas, ôs,
and aus, as the final vowel of the word may require. Thus Ojibwai,
a Chippewa, becomes Ojibw-ais, a little Chippewa: Iniṅ´i, a man,
inin-ees, a little man: Amik, a beaver, amik-ôs, a young beaver: Ogimâ,
a chief, ogim-âs, a little chief, or a chief of little authority.
Further examples may be added.
SIMPLE FORM. DIMINUTIVE FORM.
—ais.
A woman Eekwâ Eekwâz-ais.
A partridge Pinâ Pin-ais.
A woodcock Mâimâi Mâim-ais.
An island Minnis Minnis-ais.
A grape Shômin Shômin-ais.
A knife Môkoman Môkoman-ais.
—ees.
A stone Ossin Ossin-ees.
A river Seebi Seeb-ees.
A pigeon Omimi Omim-ees.
A bison Pizhik´i Pizhik-ees.
A potatoe Opin Opin-ees.
A bird Pinâisi Pinâish-ees.
—ôs.
A moose Môz Môz-ôs.
An otter Nigik Nigik-ôs.
A reindeer Addik Addik-ôs.
An elk Mushkôs Mushkos-ôs.
A hare Wâbôs Wâbôs-ôs.
A box Mukuk Mukuk-ôs.
—aus.
A bass Ogâ Og-âs.
A medal Shôniâ Shôni-âs.
A bowl Onâgun Onâg-âns.
A bed Nibâgun Nibâg-aûns.
A gun Pâshkizzigun Pâshkizzig-âns.
A house Wakyigun Wakyig-àns.
In the four last examples, the letter n, of the diminutive, retains its
full sound.
The use of diminutives has a tendency to give conciseness to the
language. As far as they can be employed they supersede the use
of adjectives, or prevent the repetition of them. And they enable
the speaker to give a turn to the expression, which is often very
successfully employed in producing ridicule or contempt. When applied
to the tribes of animals, or to inorganic objects, their meaning,
however, is, very nearly, limited to an inferiority in size or age.
Thus, in the above examples, pizhik-ees, signifies a calf, omim-ees, a
young pigeon, and ossin-ees, a pebble &c. But inin-ees, and ogim-âs,
are connected with the idea of mental or conventional as well as bodily
inferiority.
1. I saw a little chief, standing upon a small island, with an inferior
medal about his neck.
Ogimâs n’gi wâbumâ nibowid minnisainsing onâbikowân shoniâsun.
2. Yamoyden threw at a young pigeon.
Ogi pukkitalwun omimeesun Yamoyden.
3. A buffalo calf stood in a small stream.
Pizhikees ki nibowi sibeesing.
4. The little man fired at a young moose.
Ininees ogi pâshkizwân môzôsun.
5. Several diminutive looking bass were lying in a small bowl, upon a
small table.
Addôpowinaising attai onâgâns abbiwâd ogâsug.
Some of these sentences afford instances of the use, at the same
time, of both the local and diminutive inflections. Thus the word
minnisainsing, signifies literally, _in the little island_; seebees
ing, _in the little stream_; addôpowinais ing, _on the small table_.
3. The preceeding forms are not the only ones by which adjective
qualities are conferred upon the substantive. The syllable _ish_
when added to a noun indicates a bad or dreaded quality, or conveys
the idea of imperfection or decay. The sound of this inflection is
sometimes changed to eesh oosh, or aush. Thus, Chimân, a canoe, becomes
Chimânish, a bad canoe; Ekwai, a woman, Ekwaiwish, a bad woman; nibi,
water, becomes nibeesh, turbid or strong water; mittig, a tree, becomes
mittigoosh, a decayed tree; akkik, a kettle, akkikoosh, a worn-out
kettle. By a further change, wibid, a tooth, becomes wibid_âsh_, a
decayed or aching tooth, &c. Throughout these changes the final sound
of _sh_ is retained, so that this sound alone, at the end of a word, is
indicative of a faulty quality.
In a language in which the expressions bad-dog, and faint-heart are
the superlative terms of reproach, and in which there are few words
to indicate the modifications between positively good, and positively
bad, it must appear evident, that adjective inflections of this kind,
must be convenient, and sometimes necessary modes of expression. They
furnish a means of conveying censure and dislike, which though often
mild, is sometimes severe. Thus if one person has had occasion to
refuse the offered hand of another—for it must be borne in mind, that
the Indians are a hand-shaking people, as well as the Europeans—the
implacable party has it at his option in referring to the circumstance,
to use the adjective form of hand, not _onindj_, but oninj_eesh_,
which would be deemed contemptuous in a high degree. So also, instead
of odâwai winini, a trader, or man who sells, the word may be changed
to odâwai winini-_wish_, implying a bad or dishonest trader. It is
seldom that a more pointed, or positive mode of expressing personal
disapprobation or dislike is required, for, generally speaking, more is
implied by these modes than is actually expressed.
The following examples are drawn from the inorganic as well as organic
creation, embracing the two classes of nouns that the operation of
these forms may be fully perceived.
SIMPLE FORM. ADJECTIVE FORM.
—ish— A bowl Onâgun Onâgun-ish.
A house Wakyigun Wakyigun-ish.
A pipe Opwâgun Opwâgun-ish.
A boy Kweewizais Kweewizais-ish.
A man Inini Ininiw-ish.
Water Neebi Neeb-ish.
—eesh— A stone Ossin Ossin-eesh.
A potatoe Opin Opin-eesh.
A fly Ojee Oj-eesh.
A bow Mittigwâb Mittigwâb-eesh.
—oosh— An otter Neegik Neegik-oosh.
A beaver Ahmik Ahmik-oosh.
A reindeer Addik Addik-oosh.
A kettle Akkeek Akkeek-oosh.
An axe Wagâkwut Wagâkwut-oosh.
—aush— A foot Ozid Ozid-âsh.
An arm Onik Onik-âsh.
An ear Otowug Otowug-âsh.
A hoof Wunnussid Wunnussid-âsh.
A rush mat Appukwa Appukw-âsh.
These forms cannot be said, strictly, to be without analogy in the
English, in which the limited number of words terminating in _ish_, as
saltish, blackish, furnish a correspondence in sound, with the first
adjective form.
It may subserve the purposes of generalization to add, as the result of
the foregoing inquiries, that substantives have a diminutive form, made
in ais, ees, ôs, or âs; a derogative form, made in ish, eesh, oosh, or
âsh; and a local form, made in aing, eeng, ing, or oong. By a principle
of accretion, the second, or third, may be added to the first form, and
the third to the second.
EXAMPLE.
Serpent, s. Kinai´bik.
——s. diminutive ——ôns, implying Little serpent.
——s. derogative ——ish, “ Bad serpent.
——s. local ——ing, “ In (the) serpent.
——s. dim. & der. ——ônsish “ Little bad serpent.
——s. dim. & lo. ——ônsing “ In (the) little serpent.
——s. dim. der. & lo. ——ônsishing, “ In (the) little bad serpent.
4. More attention has, perhaps, been bestowed upon these points, than
their importance demanded, but in giving anything like a comprehensive
sketch of the substantive, they could not be omitted; and if mentioned
at all, it became necessary to pursue them through their various
changes and limitations. Another reason has presented itself. In
treating of an unwritten language of which others are to judge chiefly
from examples, it appeared desirable that the positions advanced
should be accompanied by the data upon which they respectively rest—at
least, by so much of the data employed, as to enable philologists to
appreciate the justice or detect the fallacy of our conclusions. To the
few, who take any interest in the subject at all, minuteness will not
seem tedious, and the examples will be regarded with deep interest.
As much of our time as we have already devoted to these lesser points
of inquiry, it will be necessary, at this place, to point out other
inflections and modifications of the substantive, to clear it from
obscurities, that we may go into the discussion of the other parts of
speech, unencumbered.
Of these remaining forms, none is more interesting than that, which
enables the speaker by a simple inflection, to denote that the
individual named has ceased to exist. This delicate mode of conveying
melancholy intelligence, or alluding to the dead, is effected by
placing the object in the past tense.
Aiekid-ôpun aieko Garrangula-bun.
So the deceased Garrangula spoke.
The syllable _bun_, in this sentence, added to the noun, and _ôpun_
added to the verb, place both in the past tense. And although the death
of the Indian orator is not mentioned, that fact would be invariably
inferred.
Names which do not terminate in a vowel sound, require a vowel prefixed
to the tensal inflection, rendering it _ôbun_, or _ebun_. Inanimate, as
well as animate nouns take these inflections.
PRESENT. PAST FORM.
Tecumseh, Tecumsi-bun.
Tammany, Tamani-bun.
Skenandoah, Skenandoa-bun.
Nôs, (my father) Nos-êbun.
Pontiac, Pontiac-ibun.
Waub Ojeeg, Waub Ojeeg-ibun.
Tarhe, Tarhi-bun.
Mittig, (a tree) Mittig-ôbun.
Akkik, (a kettle) Akkik-ôbun.
Môz, (a moose) Môz-ôbun.
By prefixing the particle _Tah_ to these words, and changing the
inflection of the animate nouns to _iwi_, and the inanimates to _iwun_,
they are rendered future. Thus Tah Pontiac-iwi: Tah Mittig-iwun, &c.
The names for the seasons only come under the operation of these rules,
when the year before the last, or the year after the next, is referred
to. The last, and the ensuing season, are indicated as follows.
_Present._ _Last._ _Next._
Spring, Seegwun, Seegwun-oong, Segwun.
Summer, Neebin, Neebin-oong, Neebing.
Autumn, Tahgwâgi, Tahgwâg-oong, Tahgwâgig.
Winter, Peebôn, Peebônoong, Peebông.
I spent last winter in hunting.
Ning`i nunda-wainjigai peebônoong.
I shall go to Detroit next spring.
Ninjah izhâ Wâwiâ´tunong seegwung.
5. Sexual nouns. The mode of indicating the masculine and feminine,
having been omitted in the preceding lecture, as not being essential to
any concordance with the verb or adjective, is nevertheless connected
with a striking peculiarity of the language—the exclusive use of
certain words by one or the other sex. After having appeared to the
founders of the language, a distinction not necessary to be engrafted
in the syntax, there are yet a limited number of words, to which the
idea of sex, so strongly attaches, that it would be deemed the height
of impropriety in a female to use the masculine, and in male to use the
feminine expressions.
Of this nature are the words _Neeji_, and _Nindongwai_, both signifying
my friend, but the former is appropriated to males, and the latter
to females. A Chippewa cannot therefore say to a female my friend,
nor a Chippewa woman to a male, my friend. Such an interchange of
the terms would imply arrogance or indelicacy. Nearly the whole of
their interjections—and they are numerous—are also thus exclusively
appropriated; and no greater breach of propriety in speech could
be committed, than a woman’s uttering the masculine exclamation of
surprise _Tyâ!_ or a man’s descending to the corresponding female
interjection _N’yâ!_
The word _neenimoshai_, my cousin, on the contrary, can only be
applied, like husband and wife, by a male to a female, or a female to a
male. If a male wishes to express this relation of a male, the term is
_Neetowis_: and the corresponding female term _Neendongwooshai_.
The terms for uncle and aunt, are also of a two-fold character, though
not restricted like the preceding in their use. Neemishomai is my
uncle by the father’s side: Neezhishai, my uncle by the mother’s side.
Neezigwoos is my paternal aunt, neewishai my maternal aunt.
There are also exclusive words to designate elder brother, and younger
brother: But what would not be expected after the foregoing examples,
they are indiscriminately applied to younger brothers and sisters.
Neesgai, is my elder brother, and neemissai my elder sister. Neeshemai,
my younger brother, or younger sister, and may be applied to any
brother or sister except the eldest.
The number of words to which the idea of sex is attached, in the usual
acceptation, is limited. The following may be enumerated.
_Masculine._ _Feminine._
Irin´i, A man. Ekwai´, A woman.
Kwee´wizais, A boy. Ekwa´zais, A girl.
Oskinahwai, A young man. Oskineegakwai, A young woman.
Akiwaizi, An old man. Mindimô´ed, An old woman.
Nôsai, My father. Nin Gah, My mother.
Ningwisis, My son. Nin dânis, My daughter.
Ni ningwun, My son-in-law. Nis sim, My daughter-in-law.
Ni nâbaim, My husband. Nimindimôimish, My wife.
Nimieshomiss, My grandfather. Nôkômiss, My grandmother.
Ogimâ, A chief. Ogemâkwâ, A chiefess.
Addik, A reindeer. Neetshâni, A doe.
Annimoosh, A dog. Kiskisshâi, A bitch.
The sex of the brute creation is most commonly denoted by prefixing the
words _Iâbai_, male; and _nôzhai_, female.
6. Reciprocal changes of the noun. The pronominal particles with which
verbs as well as substantives, are generally encumbered and the habit
of using them in particular and restricted senses, leaves but little
occasion for the employment of either the present or past infinitive.
Most verbs are transitives. A Chippewa does not say, I love, without
indicating, by an inflection of the verb, the object beloved; and thus
the expression is constantly, I love him, or her, &c. Neither does the
infinitive appear to be generally the ultimate form of the verb.
In changing their nouns into verbs, it will not therefore be expected,
that the change should uniformly result in the infinitive, for which
there is so little use; but in such of the personal forms of the
various moods as circumstances may require. Most commonly the third
person singular of the indicative, and the second person singular of
the imperative, are the simplest aspects under which the verb appears;
and hence these forms have been sometimes mistaken for, and reported
as the present infinitive. There are some instances, in which the
infinitive is employed. Thus, although an Indian cannot say, I love,
thou lovest, &c. without employing the objective forms of the verb
to love: yet he can say I laugh, I cry, &c. expressions in which the
action being confined to the speaker himself, there is no transition
demanded. And in all similar instances the present infinitive, with the
proper pronoun prefixed, is employed.
There are several modes of transforming a substantive into a verb. The
following examples will supply the rules, so far as known, which govern
these changes.
Indicative. Imperative.
Chimân, a canoe. Chimai, he paddles. Chimain, paddle thou.
Pashkizzigun, a gun. Pashkizzigai, he fires. Pashkizzigain, fire thou.
Jeesidyigun, a broom. Jeesidyigai, he sweeps. Jeesidyigain, sweep thou.
Weedjeeagun, a helper. Weedôkagai, he helps. Weedjeei-wain, help thou.
Ojibwâi, a Chippewa. Ojibwâmoo, he } Ojibwâmoon, speak }
speaks Chippewa. } thou Chippewa. }
Another class of nouns is converted into the first person, indicative
of a pseudo declarative verb, in the following manner.
Monido, A spirit. Ne Monidôw, I (am) a spirit.
Wassaiâ, Light. Ne Wassaiâw, I (am) light.
Ishkodai, Fire. Nin Dishkodaiw, I (am) fire.
Weendigô, A monster. Ni Weendigôw, I (am) a monster.
Addik, A deer. Nin Daddikoow, I (am) a deer.
Wakyigun, A house. Ni Wakyiguniw, I (am) a house.
Pinggwi, Dust, ashes. Nim Pinggwiw, I (am) dust, &c.
The word am, included in parentheses, is not in the original, unless we
may suppose the terminals, ow, aw, iw, oow, to be derivatives from Iaw.
These changes are reciprocated by the verb, which, as often as occasion
requires, is made to put on a substantive form. The particle _win_
added to the indicative of the verb, converts it into a substantive.
Thus—
Keegido, He speaks. Keegidowin, Speech.
Pâshkizzigai, He fires. Pashkizzigaiwin, Ammunition.
Agindasoo, He counts. Agindasoowin, Numbers.
Wahyiâzhinggai, He cheats. Wahyiazhinggaiwin, Fraud.
Minnikwâi, He drinks. Minnikwâiwin, Drink.
Kubbâshi, He encamps. Kubbâishiwin, An encampment.
Meegâzoo, He fights. Meegâzoowin, A fight.
Ojeengai, He kisses. Ojeendiwin, A kiss.
Annôki, He works. Annôkiwin, Work.
Pâpi, He laughs. Pâpiwin, Laughter.
Pimâdizzi, He lives. Pimâdizziwin, Life.
Onwâibi, He rests. Onwâibiwin, Rest.
Annamiâ, He prays. Annamiâwin, Prayer.
Nibâ, He sleeps. Nibâwin, Sleep.
Odâwai, He trades. Odâwaiwin, Trade.
Adjectives are likewise thus turned into substantives.
Keezhaiwâdizzi, He generous. Keezhaiwâdizziwin, Generosity.
Minwaindum, He happy. Minwaindumowin, Happiness.
Keezhaizeâwizzi, He industrious. Keezhaizhâwizziwin, Industry.
Kittimâgizzi, He poor. Kittimâgizziwin, Poverty.
Aukkoossi, He sick. Aukkoossiwin, Sickness.
Kittimishki, He lazy. Kittimishkiwin, Laziness.
Nishkâdizzi, He angry. Nishkâdizziwin, Anger.
Baikâdizzi, She chaste. Baikâdizziwin, Chastity.
In order to place the substantives thus formed, in the third person,
corresponding with the indicative from which they were changed, it is
necessary only to prefix the proper pronoun. Thus, Ogeezhaiwâdizziwin,
his generosity, &c.
7. Compound substantives. The preceding examples have been given
promiscuously from the various classes of words, primitive and
derivative, simple and compound. Some of these words express but
a single idea, as, ôs, father—gah, mother—môz, a moose—kâg, a
porcupine—mang, a loon—and appear to be incapable of further division.
All such words may be considered as primitives, although some of them
may be contractions of dissyllabic words. There are also a number of
dissyllables, and _possibly_ some trisyllables, which, in the present
state of our analytical knowledge of the language, may be deemed both
simple and primitive. Such are neebi, water; ossin, a stone; geezis,
the sun; nodin, wind. But it may be premised, as a principle which our
investigations have rendered probable, that all polysyllabic words, all
words of three syllables, _so far as examined_, and most words of two
syllables, are compounds.
The application of a syntax, formed with a view to facilitate the
rapid conveyance of ideas by consolidation, may, it is presumable, have
early led to the coalescence of words, by which all the relations of
object and action, time and person, were expressed. And in a language
which is only spoken, and not written, the primitives would soon become
obscured and lost in the multiform appendages of time and person,
and the recondite connexion of actor and object. And this process of
amalgamation would be a progressive one. The terms that sufficed in
the condition of the simplest state of nature, or in a given latitude,
would vary with their varying habits, institutions and migrations. The
introduction of new objects and new ideas would require the invention
of new words, or what is much more probable, existing terms would be
modified or compounded to suit the occasion. No one who has paid much
attention to the subject, can have escaped noticing a confirmation
of this opinion, in the extreme readiness of our western Indians to
bestow, on the instant, names, and appropriate names—to any new object
presented to them. A readiness not attributable to their having at
command a stock of generic polysyllables—for these it would be very
awkward to wield—but as appears more probable, to the powers of the
syntax, which permits the resolution of new compounds from existing
roots, and often concentrates, as remarked in another place, the entire
sense of the parent words, upon a single syllable, and sometimes upon a
single letter.
Thus it is evident that the Chippewas possessed names for a living
tree _mittig_, and a string _aiâb_, before they named the bow
_mittigwâb_,—the latter being compounded under one of the simplest
rules from the two former. It is further manifest that they had named
earth _akki_, and (any solid, stony or metallic mass) _âbik_, before
they bestowed an appellation upon the kettle, _akkeek_, or _akkik_,
the latter being derivatives from the former. In process of time these
compounds became the bases of other compounds, and thus the language
became loaded with double and triple, and quadruple compounds, concrete
in their meaning and formal in their utterance.
When the introduction of the metals took place, it became necessary to
distinguish the clay from the iron pot, and the iron, from the copper
kettle. The original compound, _akkeek_, retained its first meaning,
admitting the adjective noun _piwâbik_ (itself a compound) iron,
when applied to a vessel of that kind, piwâbik akkeek, iron kettle.
But a new combination took place to designate the copper kettle,
_miskwâkeek_, red-metal kettle; and another expression to denote the
brass kettle, _ozawâbik akkeek_, yellow metal kettle. The former is
made up from miskôwâbik, copper (literally _red-metal_—from miskwâ,
red, and _âbik_, the generic above mentioned) and _akkeek_, kettle.
Ozawâbik, brass, is from _ozawâ_ yellow, and the generic _âbek_—the
term akkeek, being added in its separate form. It may, however, be
used in its connected form of wukkeek, making the compound expression
_ozawâbik wukkeek_.
In naming the horse paibâizhikôgazhi, i. e. the animal with solid
hoofs, they have seized upon the feature which most strikingly
distinguished the horse, from the cleft-footed animals which were
the only species known to them at the period of the discovery. And
the word itself affords an example, at once, both of their powers
of concentration, and brief, yet accurate description, which it may
be worth while to analyse. Paizhik, is one, and is also used as the
indefinite article—the only article the language possesses. This word
is further used in an adjective sense, figuratively indicating, united,
solid, undivided. And it acquires a plural signification by doubling,
or repeating the first syllable, with a slight variation of the second.
Thus, Pai-baizhik, denotes not _one_, or _an_, but several; and when
thus used in the context, renders the noun governed, plural. Oskuzh, is
the nail, claw, or horny part of the foot of beasts, and supplies the
first substantive member of the compound _gauzh_. The final vowel is
from _akwaisi_, a beast; and the marked o, an inseparable connective,
the office of which is to make the two members coalesce, and harmonize.
The expression thus formed becomes a substantive, specific in its
application. It may be rendered plural like the primitive nouns, may be
converted into a verb, has its diminutive, derogative and local form,
and in short, is subject to all the modifications of other substantives.
Most of the modern nouns are of this complex character. And they
appear to have been invented to designate objects, many of which were
necessarily unknown to the Indians in the primitive ages of their
existence. Others, like their names for a copper-kettle and a horse,
above mentioned, can date their origin no farther back than the period
of the discovery. Of this number of nascent words, are most of their
names for those distilled or artificial liquors, for which they are
indebted to Europeans. Their name for water, _neebi_, for the fat of
animals, _weenin_, for oil or grease, _pimmidai_, for broth, _nâbôb_,
and for blood, _miskwi_, belong to a very remote era, although all but
the first appear to be compounds. Their names for the tinctures or
extracts derived from the forest, and used as dyes, or medicines, or
merely as agreeable drinks, are mostly founded upon the basis of the
word _âbo_, a liquid, although this word is never used alone. Thus—
Shomin-âbo Wine From Shomin, a grape, âbo, a liquor.
Ishkodai-âbo Spirits From Ishkôdâi, fire, &c.
Mishimin-âbo Cider From Mishimin, an apple, &c.
Tôtôsh-âbo Milk From Tôtôsh, the female breast, &c.
Sheew-âbo Vinegar From Sheewun, sour, &c.
Annibeesh-âbo From Annibeeshun, leaves, &c.
Ozhibiegun-aubo From Ozhibiêgai, he writes, &c.
In like manner their names for the various implements and utensils
of civilized life, are based upon the word _Jeegun_, one of those
primitives, which, although never disjunctively used, denotes, in its
modified forms, the various senses implied by our words instrument,
contrivance, machine, &c. And by prefixing to this generic, a
substantive, verb, or adjective, or parts of one or each, an entire new
class of words is formed. In these combinations, the vowels e, and o,
are sometimes used as connectives.
Keeshkeebô-jeegun A saw From Keeshkeezhun, v. a. to cut.
Seeseebô-jeegun A file From Seesee, to rub off, &c.
Wassakoonen-jeegun A candle From Wassakooda, bright, biskoona, flame, &c.
Beeseebô-jeegun A coffee-mill From Beesâ, fine grains, &c.
Minnikwâd-jeegun A drinking vessel From Minnekwâi, he drinks, &c.
Tâshkeebôd-jeegun A saw mill From Taushkâ, to split, &c.
Mudwâiabeed-jeegun A violin From Mudwâwâi, sound, âiâb, a string, &c.
Sometimes this termination is shortened into _gun_, as in the following
instances.
Onâ-gun A dish.
Tikkina-gun A cradle.
Neeba-gun A bed.
Puddukkyi-gun A fork.
Puggimmâ-gun A war-club.
Opwâ-gun A pipe.
Wassâitshie-gun A window.
Wakkyi-gun A house.
Pôdahwâ-gun A fire-place.
Sheema-gun A lance.
Another class of derivatives is formed from _wyân_, indicating,
generally, an undressed skin. Thus—
Muk-wyân A bear skin From Mukwah, a bear, and wyaun, a skin.
Wazhusk-wyân A muskrat skin From Wazhusk, a muskrat, &c.
Wabôs-wyân A rabbit skin From Wabôs, a rabbit, &c.
Neegik-wyân An otter skin From Neegih, an otter, &c.
Ojeegi-wyân A fisher skin From Ojeeg, a fisher, &c.
Wabizhais-ewyân, a martin skin, from wabizhais, a martin, &c.
Wâbiwyan, a blanket, and bubbuggiwyan, a shirt, are also formed
from this root. As the termination _wyân_, is chiefly restricted to
undressed skins, or peltries, that of _waigin_, is, in like manner,
generally applied to dressed skins, or to cloths. Thus—
Monido-waigin Blue cloth, strouds From Monido, spirit, &c.
Misk-waigin Red cloth From Miskwâ, red, &c.
Nondâ-waigin Scarlet.
Peezhiki-waigin A buffalo robe From Peezhiki, a buffalo, &c.
Addik-waigin A cariboo skin From Addik, a cariboo, &c.
Ozhauwushk-waigin Green cloth From Ozhâwushkwâ, green.
An interesting class of substantives is derived from the third person
singular of the present indicative of the verb, by changing the
vowel sound of the first syllable, and adding the letter d to that
of the last, making the terminations in aid, âd, eed, id, ood. Thus,
Pimmoossâ, he walks, becomes pâmoossâd, a walker.
aid— Munnissai He chops Mânissaid A chopper.
Ozhibeigai He writes Wâzhibeigaid A writer.
Nundowainjeegai He hunts Nândowainjeegaid A hunter.
âd— Neebâ He sleeps Nâbâd A sleeper.
Kwâbahwâ He fishes } Kwyâbahwâd A fisher, }
(with scoop net) } (with scoop net.)}
Puggidowâ He fishes } Pâgidowâd A fisher, }
(with sein)} (with sein.)}
eed— Annokee He works Anokeed A worker.
Jeessakea He juggles Jossakeed A juggler.
Munnigobee He pulls bark Mainigobeed A bark puller.
id— Neemi He dances Nâmid A dancer.
Weesinni He eats Wâssinid An eater.
Pimâdizzi He lives Paimaudizzid A living being.
ood— Nugamoo He sings Naigumood A singer.
Keegido He speaks Kâgidood A speaker.
Keewonimoo He lies Kâwunimood A liar.
This class of words is rendered plural in ig,—a termination, which,
after d final in the singular, has a soft pronunciation, as if written
_jig_. Thus, Nâmid, a dancer, nâmidjig, dancers.
The derogative form is given to these generic substantives by
introducing ish, or simply sh, in place of the d, and changing
the latter to _kid_, making the terminations in ai, aishkid, in
â, âshkid, in e, eeshkid, in i, ishkid, and in oo, ooshkid. Thus,
naindowainjeegaid, a hunter, is changed to naindowainjeegaishkid, a bad
or unprofitable hunter. Naibâd, a sleeper, is changed to naibâshkid, a
sluggard. Jossakeed, a juggler, to jossakeeshkid, a vicious juggler.
Wâsinnid, an eater, to wâssinishkid, a gormandizer. Kâgidood, a
speaker, kâgidooshkid, a babbler. And in these cases the plural is
added to the last educed form, making kâgidooshkidjig, babblers, &c.
The word nittâ, on the contrary, prefixed to these expressions, renders
them complimentary. For instance, nittâ naigumood, is a fine singer,
nittâ kâgidood, a ready speaker, &c.
Flexible as the substantive has been shown to be, there are other forms
of combination that have not been adverted to—forms, by which it is
made to coalesce with the verb, the adjective, and the preposition,
producing a numerous class of compound expressions. But it is deemed
most proper to defer the discussion of these forms to their several
appropriate heads.
Enough has been exhibited to demonstrate its prominent grammatical
rules. It is not only apparent that the substantive possesses number,
and gender, but it also undergoes peculiar modifications to express
locality and diminution, to denote adjective qualities and to indicate
tense. It exhibits some curious traits connected with the mode of
denoting the masculine and feminine. It is modified to express person
and to distinguish living from inanimate masses. It is rendered
possessive by a peculiar inflection, and provides particles, under the
shape either of prefixes or suffixes, separable or inseparable, by
which the actor is distinguished from the object—and all this, without
changing its proper substantive character, without putting on the
aspect of a pseudo adjective, or a pseudo verb. Its changes to produce
compounds, are, however, its most interesting, its most characteristic
trait. Syllable is heaped upon syllable, word upon word, and derivative
upon derivative, until its vocabulary is crowded with long and pompous
phrases, most formidable to the eye.
So completely transpositive do the words appear, that like chessmen
on a board, their elementary syllables can be changed at the will of
the player, to form new combinations to meet new contingencies, so long
as they are changed in accordance with certain general principles and
conventional rules; in the application of which, however, much depends
upon the will or the skill of the player. What is most surprising—all
these changes and combinations, all these qualifications of the object,
and distinctions of the person, the time, and the place, do not
supersede the use of adjectives, and pronouns, and verbs, and other
parts of speech woven into the texture of the noun, in their elementary
and disjunctive forms.
2. A VOCABULARY OF WORDS AND PHRASES IN THE CHIPPEWA LANGUAGE.
A.
A. a. to express the sound of a, in father, ah in Jehovah. Amo, a
Bee.
A. â. “ “ “ “ a, in fall, au in auction, aw in law.
Tyâ, Lo!
A. a. “ “ “ “ a, in hat. Aki, Earth.
Ai. ai. “ “ “ “ a, in fate, ai, in aim, ay, in way, e,
in obey. Ais, a Shell.
A or An, Pai´zhik. (see one.)
To abash, v. Agud´ji.
Verbs are inserted in the most simple of their concrete forms,
being the third person singular of the indicative present, in all
cases where not otherwise expressed.
Abdomen, s. Omissud´.
See acorn for examples of the diminutive, derogative, and other
regular forms of the substantive.
Abed, ad. Nibâ´guning.
Local form of the word bed.
Abide thou, imp. mood. Abin´.
Able, a. Gushkitô´n.
As adjectives are declined with person and mood, they are inserted
under the same rule indicated for verbs.
Abode, s. Aindâd.
Aboard, ad. Pindô´nug.
Aborigines, s. Unishinâ´bai. (Plural in g.)
Above, prep. Ogidjy´ei.
Above, ad. Ishpiming.
Local form of the adjective high.
Above ground, Ogidâ´kumig.
Abroad, ad. Kood´uging.
Abcess, s. Minwi´wi.
To abscond, v. Ozhimoo´.
Absent, a. Ondain´di.
To abound, v. inan. Wâ´nadud.
To abound, v. an. Wâ´nadizzi.
To accept, v. Odâ´pinun.
Accepter, s. Wai´dâpinung.
To accompany, v. Owi´jiewân.
Accompanier, s. Wa´jiewaid.
To accost, v. Kunôzh´.
Account, to make an account, v. Muzziny´igai.
Accounter, s. Muzziny´igaid.
Account book, s. Muzziny´igun.
(See Book.)
To accuse, v. Una´modum.
Accuser, s. Ain´amodung.
Acid, a. Shi´wun.
Acid liquor, Shiwunâ´bo.
Acorn, s. Mittigomin.
Acorn, s. dim. Mittigominais, equivalent little acorn.
Acorn, s. der. Mittigôminish, eq. bad acorn.
Acorn, s. lo. Mittigomining, eq. in the acorn.
Acorn, s. dim. & der. Mittigominaisish, eq. little bad acorn.
Acorn, s. dim. der. & lo. Mittigominaisishing, eq. in the little bad
acorn.
Acquaintance, s. Kaikain´imind.
One who is known.
Across, ad. Azhiwyei.
To act, v. Tô´dum.
Action, s. Tôdumowin.
Actor, s. Aindô´dung.
Active, a. inan. Kizhinzhow´ita.
Active, a. an. Kizhinzowizzi.
Adder, s. Kinai´bik.
Adder, s. dim. Kinaibikons.
Adder, s. der. Kinaibikish.
Adder, s. lo. Kinaibiking.
Adder, s. dim. & der. Kinaibikonsish.
Adder, s. dim. der. & lo. Kiniabikonsishing.
Adder’s tongue, a plant, Mônawing.
E. dens canis.
Address, s. Kigidô´win.
Addresser, s. Kâgidood´.
To adhere, v. Agookai´.
To adopt, v. Wangô´ma.
An adopted person, Wyangô´mind.
Adopter, s. Wyangôn´gaid.
To adore, v. Annamiâ´.
This word is exclusively applied to christian worship.
Adorer, s. Ainnamiâd´.
To adorn, v. Sussai´ga.
Adroit, a. Minwi.
Adrift, ad. Waiba´tun.
To advance, v. Pida´simôsai.
Advancer, s. Pada´simôsaid.
To adventure, v. Ienâdizzi.
Adventurer, s. Aienâdizzid.
To advise, v. Kuggi´kwai.
Advice, s. Kuggikwai´win.
Adviser; s. Kaiggi´kwaid.
Adult, s. Kizhigi.
Adultery, s. Kimô´jeiddiwin.
Afar, ad. Wa´suh.
Affable, a. Ona´nigooni.
Affectionate, a. Gizhawâ´dizzi.
Affection, s. Gizhawâ´dizziwin.
Afloat, Waiba´tun.
Afore, prep. Nigan´.
Aforetime, ad. Maiwinzk´uh.
Afraid, a. Sai´gizzi.
After, prep. Ish´kwaiyong.
Afternoon, Una´gooshi,
Again, ad. Min´awâ.
Aged, a. Appi´tizzi.
Age, s. Appi´tizziwin.
Agréeable, a. Minwaindâ´goozzi.
Agreeableness, s. Minwaindâ´goozziwin.
Agriculture, s. Gittigai´win.
Agriculturist, s. Gait´tigaid.
Ah, interj. Tyâ.
Ahead, Nigan. (See Before.)
To aid, v. Widôkazoo.
Aider, s. Wadôkazood.
To ail, v. Akooz´zi.
Ailment, s. Akooz´ziwin.
To aim, v. Odozhiân.
Aimer, s. Wyaizhiewaid.
Air, a soft breeze, s. Ayâ´.
Air, wind, s. Nôdin.
Alarm, s. Sassa´kwaiwin.
To alarm, v. Sasa´kwai.
Alarmer, s. Syâsa´kwaid.
Alder, s. Waddôp´.
Alder, s. dim. Waddôpons.
Alder, s. der. Waddôpish.
Alder, s. lo. Waddôping.
Alder, s. dim. der. & lo. Waddôponsishing.
Alike, ad. Tib´ishkô.
Aliment, s. Mi´jim.
Alive, a. Pimâdizzi.
All, a. Kukin´uh.
Alliance, s. Inuhwain´diwin.
To allot, v. Oonaô´ki.
Allotment, s. Oonaô´kiwin.
Allotter, s. Wainaôkeed.
To allure, v. Shôbiewai.
Almond, s. Pugân´.
Almost, ad. Kai´go.
To give alms, v. Shaiwainingai.
Alms, s. Shaiwainingaiwinun.
This substantive phrase, which is rendered plural in _un_, and this
being a plural of inanimate bodies, is thereby shown to be things
given, is based on the verb to pity.
Almsgiver, s. Shaiwamingaid.
Along shore, Tiddibaiw´.
Alone, a. Nizhik´ai.
Already, ad. Pabigai´.
Also, ad. Gyai´.
To alter, v. inanimate, Anjitôn´.
Alterer, s. Ianjitôd´.
Altercation, s. Iâsiminid´aiwug.
This is a plural expression indicating a personal tumult; a hubbub.
Always, ad. Moozh ug.
Am, I am, Nin, Dyâ. See to be.
Amen, ad. Kunnagai´kunna.
Amidst, prep. inanimate, Nasowiei.
Amidst the town, or village, Nasowôdainuh.
Ammunition, s. Pashkizzigaiwin.
This is one of the comparatively modern compounds, being based on
the verb to fire, which see. It is made a substantive in _win_.
Ample, a. mai’tshâ.
To amuse, v. Oombukumigi´zzi.
Amusement, s. ————win.
Amuser, s. Waibukumigizzid.
An, art. Pai´zhik.
Ancestor, s. Ogitizimun.
And, conj. Gyai.
Andiron, s. Shaigwukinzhaiegun.
Angry, a. Nishkâdizzi.
Anger, s. Nishkâdizziwin.
Anguish, s. Wisugain´dum, a compound from the words _bitter_ and
_mind_.
Animal, s. Awais´i.
Animate substantives have their plural in g.
Ankle, s. Obikoo´guna.
Annually, ad. Aindasopibôn.
To annoint, v. Nominun.
Anointer, s. Naiminiwaid.
Another, a. Bukan´.
To answer, v. Nuhkoodum.
Answer, s. Nuhkoodumowin.
Ant, s. Ainigo´.
— s. dim, ——os.
— s. der, ——oosh.
— der. local, ——ooshing.
Antler, s. Aish´kun.
— s. dim. ——ais.
— s. der. ——ish.
— s. loc. ——ing.
— s. dim. & der. ——ainsish.
— s. dim. der. loc. ——ainsishing.
Anus, s. Ojeed.
Apparel, s. Pasikumingin. Plural.
Apparition, s. Ji´by. Plu. in _ug_.
—— s. dim. —— ais.
To appear, v. Nâgoozzi.
To applaud, v. Mumikwa´zhowai.
Applause, s. —— win.
Applauser, s. Maimikwazhowaid.
Apple, s. Mishi´min. Plu. in ug.
—— s. dim. ——ais.
—— a. der. ——ish.
—— s. dim & der. ——aisish.
—— s. loc. ——ing.
Apple tree, Mishi´minâ´tig.
Apple liquor, Mishi´minâ´bo. See cider.
To approach, v. Piezha.
Approacher, s. Puhizhad.
April, s. Paibokâidagiming Gizis.
Archer, s. Ainuhaid.
Ardent spirits. See Brandy.
To arise from lying posture, Onish´ka.
To arise from a sitting posture, Puzzigwi.
Arm, of the body, Onik´.
Arms, weapons, Oshwi´winun. Plu.
Armband, s. Gitchi´waibizzoon.
Around, ad. Kiwitâ´jei.
To arrive, by land, Tak´wishin.
To arrive, by water, Miz´hugâ.
Arrow, blunt headed, Bik´wuk.
Arrow, spear pointed, Ussowân´.
Art, thou art, Ki Dyâ.
Artichoke, s. Ushkibwâ´.
Ash tree, s. Wisugâk´. Bitterwood.
Ashes, s. Pingwi´. This word is without number.
Ashamed, a. Agudji.
To ascend, v. Ukwan´dowai.
Ashore, put ashore, Kikubâ.
Ashore, near the shore, Chigâ´bik.
To ask, v. Kugwai dwai.
Asker, s. Kai´gwaidwaid.
Aspect, of things animate, Aizhinâ´goozzi.
Aspect, of things inanimate, Aizhinâ´gwuk.
Aspen, s. Aizâ´di.
Assassin, s. Naizhiwaid.
Assemblage, s. Mamawiedding.
Assent, s. Nuh koodum.
To assent, v. E kido.
To assist, v. Widôkâ´zoo.
Assistant, s. Waidokâ´zood.
At, prep. Cheeg.
Atmosphere, s, Gi´zhig.
Atom, s. Bâpish.
To attack, v. Mow´inai.
To attain, v. Gushkiai´wizzi.
Attainment, s. ——win.
Attire, s. See apparel.
Avaricious, a. Suzzai gizzi.
Avarice, s. —— win.
To avenge, v. Azhitow´iewai.
Avenger, s. Iazhitowiewaid.
August, s. Monô´mini, Gizis. Rice Moon.
Aunt, uncle’s wife, or father’s sister, Nizhigwoos´.
Aunt, mother’s sister. Ninwishai´.
Aurora borealis, Jiby nimi iddiwug. Dancing ghosts.
Autumn, s. Tagwâ gi.
Next autumn, Tagwâgig´.
Last autumn, Tagwâgoong´.
To authorize, v. Inugimâ´.
Authority, s. ——win.
Awake, a. Gooshkooz´zi.
Away, ad. Ningood´ji.
Awkward, a. Namu´nji.
Awl, s. Migôs´.
—— s. dim. —— ais.
—— s. der. —— ish.
—— s. local, —— ing.
—— s. dim. & der. —— aisish.
—— s. dim. der. & loc. —— aisishing.
Axe, s. Wagâ´kwut.
—— s. dim. —— ais.
—— s. der. —— ish.
—— s. local, —— ing.
—— s. dim. & der. —— aisish.
—— s. dim. der. & loc. —— aisishing.
B.
To babble, v. Ozâmidôn, or Kâgidooshkai.
Babble, s. Ozâmidôniwin, or Kâgidooshkaiwin.
Babbler, s. Kâgidooshkid.
Babe, baby, Abbinôji.
This is the term for child. A _male_ child is usually denominated
Pinai´shi, (bird,) during its infancy.
Bachelor, s. Pizhishigôwizzi.
This term being in the animate form, is not indicative of sex, and
strictly indicates an unmarried, (or uncoupled) person.
Back, s. Opik´wun.
Backbone, s. Tuttagâ´gwun.
Backwards, ad. Uzhai.
To step backwards, v. Uzhaigâ´bôwi.
Bacon, s. Kôkôsh Wiôs. Hog flesh.
Bad, a. animate, Mud ji.
— a. inanimate, Monâ´dud.
Badger, s. Missukâkud´jish.
Bag, s. Mush´kimoot.
— s. dim, —— ais.
— s. dim & der, —— aisish.
— s. local, —— ong. Implying in the bag.
Bait, for animals, Mijimikunjigun.
Balance, s. Tibâbishkôjigun.
A compound derivative from the words _equal_, _cord_, and
_instrument_.
Baldheaded, Wâshkain´dibai.
Bald Eagle, Wabizhuk´wai.
Ball, metallic, Unwi´.
— wooden, Pikwâ´kwut.
Balsam of fire tree, Shingooban´dug.
Balsam, s. Pigiuan´dug.
Band, s. Pizoon´.
Banner, s. Kikiwai´aoon.
Bank of earth, Ishpakum´iga.
Bandy legged, Wawushkigâ´dai.
To baptise, v. Siginun´dowâ.
Bare, (in body,) a. Pingwashâ´giddi.
Barge, or boat, s. Millig´ôchiman, or Nabug´ôchiman.
Any vessel intermediate in size and mode of construction, between
a bark canoe and a ship. The first term is a derivative from tree
and canoe, the second, from _plank_ or _board_, and canoe.
To bark, v. Migih´.
This is a generic word for barking. The eagle derives its name from
this word.
Bark, of the birch tree, Wig´wos.
Bark, of the bass, Wigood.
Bark, of any other species, Wunagaik´.
Bark dish, s. Onâ´gon.
Applied to crockery.
Bark sap dish, Nimibâ´gun.
Bark box, s. Mukkuk´.
Applied to any box, trunk, barrel, &c. also with a prefix, to a
coffin.
Bashful, a. Bakâdizzi.
Basin, s. Onâgon.
——, s. dim. Onâgons
Other terminations regular.
Basket, s. Wadub´imukkuk´.
A derivative from the word for cedar root, and box. Diminutive in
ons.
Bass tree, s. Wigoobimizh.
A derivative from base bark, and the generic for plants.
Bat, s. Apukwunaji.
Battle, s. Migâ´diwin.
Battle field, Katapin´uniding.
Battle club, Pugamâ´gun.
To bathe, v. Pugizzoo.
Bay, s. Wikwaid´.
— s. dim.——ôns.
To bawl, v. Mowi´.
Bayonet, s. Shimâ´gun.
— s. dim. Shimâgons´.
— s. der. Shimâ´ganish.
This is the term for soldier.
— s. lo. Shimâguning.
Duplications of these terminations as in other nouns.
To be, v. s. Iâ.
Beach, s. Sheezhodaiw.
Bead, s. Minais.
This is the diminutive form of berry, which see.
Beak, or bill, s. Okôzh´.
The term for hog, appears to be a derivative from this and the verb
lo cut.
Bean, s. Miskôdi´simin.
This is manifestly a description of the bean that bears a red
flower, but the word has become generic.
Bear, s. Mukwa´.
— s. dim. Mukôns´. A cub.
— s. dim. & der. Mukons´ish. A bad cub.
Bear skin, Mukwy´an.
Bear’s meat, Mukôwias.
Bear’s oil, Mukôpimi´dai.
Bear’s paw, Mukôzid.
Beard, s. Mizhidonâ´gon.
Beast, a quadruped, Awai´si.
To beat, v. an. Pukitai´. To beat him.
— v. inan. Pukitaiun´. To beat it.
Beau, s. Mumundâ´ginin´i. A fine, or gay dressed, man.
Beaver, s. Amik´.
— s. dim. ——ôns.
Derogative, in ish, local, in ing. &c.
Beaver dam, Amikoweezh.
Beaver skin, Abim´inikwai.
Beaver robe, Muttatos´.
This was an article formerly worn, but now seldom seen. It consists
of from six to ten finely dressed skins, sewed together. The word,
if a compound, does not appear to have reference to a modern era.
Beaver, paired in rutting time, Pukai´mik. Plural in ôg.
Beaver, in lodge in rutting time, Amun´amik. Plural in ôg.
Beautiful, a. an. Bishigaindâ´goozzi. A beautiful person.
—— a. inan. Bishigaindâ´gwud. A beautiful object.
Bed, s. Nibâ´gun.
— s. dim. Nibâgons.
— s. lo. Nibâgunish. Implying in or on the bed.
Bedstead, s. Nibâgunâk.
Bedbug, s. Nibâ´gunnimonitôs´. Bed insect.
Bees, s. A´mo. Plural in g.
Beehive, s. Amowuziswun.
Beech tree, s. Ozhawaimizh.
Beef, s. Wi´ôs.
Before, prep. Nigan´.
To Beg, v. See to ask.
There is no word of the precise meaning of beg.
To beget, v. Odônijanisinun.
To begin, begin, thou, Ki nit´tum.
Beginning, in, or at the beginning, Wyaish´kud.
Begone, interj. Awuss. To dogs.
Behave, be quiet, Pizzan´.
Behaviour, s. Izhiwai´bizziwin.
To behead, v. Okeeshkigwaiwân.
Behead thou, imp. Keeshkigwai.
Behind, prep. Agâwy´ei.
Behind the house, Agâwi´gumig.
Behind the tree, Agâwâ´tig.
Behind the hill, Agâwudjoo´.
Behold, interj. Tyâ´.
To believe, v. Taibwai´tum.
Belief, s. ——owin.
Bell, horse or cow bell, Shinowaiô´jigun.
Bell, church bell, Gittôtâ´gun.
Belle, s. Mamundâgikwai. Fine, or gay dressed woman.
To bellow, v. Nôndâ´goozzi, or Muzzitâ´goozzi.
These words are not strictly an equivalent for bellow. They
indicate also the sounds uttered by all quadrupeds, except the dog,
and hence imply to bleat, to neigh, to bray, &c.
Bellows, s. Pôdadishkôdawân.
A derivative from the word to blow, and fire.
Belly, s. Omissud´.
Below, prep. Nisye´ei.
Below the earth, Nisâ ki.
Below stream, Nisâ´jiwun.
Below the tree, Nisâ´tig.
Belt, s. Pizoon´.
To bend, v. an. Wâgin´.
—— v. inan. Wâginun.
Bend of a river, Pukai´gumâ.
To bend the bow, v. Nabâ bishim.
A derivative from cord, &c.
Beneath, prep. Unamye´i.
Beneath the ground, Unumâ´kumig.
Benevolent, a. Gizhiwâ´dizzi.
Benevolence, s. ——win.
Berry, s. inan. Min. Meen.
A primitive word. It takes the usual terminations. Plural in _un_.
Beside, prep. See by, at.
To bestow, v. imp. Mizh.
Between, prep. Nasowye´ei.
Between the trees, Nasowâ´tig.
Between the rocks, Nasowâ´bik.
Between the buildings, Nasowakyi´gun.
To bewail, v. Mowi´.
To bewitch, v. Ogimidaikundawân.
To bewitch, v. t. Kimidaikundawâ.
Beyond, prep. Aishkwaitaig.
Beyond the place, Aishkwaising.
Beyond yonder, Awuss´wai´dai.
Beyond the mark, (in shooting) Kiunnicuibidai
Bifid, a. Tâshkôshkunzhi.
Split hoof. Der. from split and hoof.
Bifurcated, a. Nâzhoshtigwong.
Two headed. Der. from two and head.
Big, a. ânim. Mindidô´.
Big, a. inanim Maitshâ, or Mitshâ.
Bile, s. Wi´zoob.
Bill, s. Okôzh´.
Billow, s. Ti´goo.
To bind, v. infin. Tidibupi.
To bind, v. an. infin. Tidibupizh, bind him or her.
—— v. inan. “ Tidibupidôn, bind it.
Biped, Nizhogâ´dai. Two legged.
Derivative from two and leg.
Birch tree, Wigwasâtig, bark wood.
Birch bark, Wigwas.
Birch bark canoe, Chimân´.
Diminutive in _ais_, derogative in _ish_, local in _ing_.
Bird, s. Pinai´si. Plural in _wug_.
— s. dim. Pinaishains.
— s. dim. &. der. —— ish.
— s. local. —— ing.
— s. dim. der. & loc. Pinaishain. sishing.
Bird’s nest, Pinai´siwuziswun´.
Bird’s foot, Pinai´wizid.
Birth, Undâ´dizzi.
Bison, s. Pizhik´i.
Applied also to the domestic cow.
—— s. dim. Pizhikins´. Calf.
To bite, v. an. Takwum. To bite him or her.
—— v. inan. Takwundun. To bite it.
Biter, s. Taikwungaid.
Bitter, a. an. Wisugizzi´.
— a. inan. Wisugun´.
Bittern, s. Mushkowizzi. Marsh bird.
Bitch, s. Kiskishai´.
Black, a. animàte, Muk´kudaiwizzi´.
—— a. inanimate, Muk´kudaiwâ´.
Blacksmith, s. Awish´twiâ.
Blacksmith’s shop, —— wigumig.
Blackberry, s. Duttogâ´gomin.
Blackbird, s. Ossig´inok. The true species.
Wâb Ossiginok, spotted head, small.
Bwoin Ossiginok, red wing.
Mukkudai Pinais, a generic, vaguely applied.
Blackman, s. Mukkudai´ Wios. Black flesh.
Black Eagle, Ininun´zi.
Black duck, Mukkudaishib.
Black rock, Mukkudaiwâbikud.
To blacken, v. an. Mukkudairohi.
—— v. inan. Mukkudaiwatôn.
Bladder, s. Omô´di. Applied also to bottle, which see.
Blanket, s. Wâbiwyan´. A derivative from white & skin, or robe.
Blast of wind, Puguma´nimud.
To blaze, v. Biskâ´koonai.
Blaze, s. Biskoonai.
To bleat, v. Nôndâgoozzi. See bellow.
To bleed with a lancet, Pashkik-wai´egai.
Blind, a. Kuggibin´gwai.
To blindfold, v. Kuggibingwain.
To blister, v. a. Ubishkwaibigizzi. To blister by medical means.
To blister, v. ina. Ubishkwaibigud. To blister by work, fire, &c.
Block, s. Gishkigy´igun.
Blood, s. Miskwi´.
Bloody, a. Miskwi´wi.
Bloodsucker, s. Suguskwâ´jimai.
Blossom, s. Wâ´bigoon.
To blow, v. an. Pôdâzh´.
—— v. ina. Pôdâ´dun.
Blue, a. Ozhâ´wushkwâ.
Blue sky, Mizhâ´kwut.
Blue water, Ozha´wushkwâgumi.
Blue bird, s. Oshâ´wun.
To blush, v. Miskwingwaisi.
Board, a board, s. Nabug´sug.
To boast, v. Wowizhâ´jimoo.
Boaster, s. Waiwizhâjimood.
Boat, s. See barge.
Boatmen, rowers, Aizhaibwiai´jig. Plural.
Boatmen, paddlers, Chaimai´jig. Plural.
Body, s. Ow?
Ni ow, my body.
Ki ow, thy body.
Wi ow, his, or her body.
Bog, s. Mushkig´.
Bogberry, Mushki´gimin. The cranberry.
To boil, v. an. Oonzoo´. To boil him.
To boil, v. in. Oondai´. To boil it.
To boil the kettle, Kizhâ´gumiz.
Bold, a. Sôngidaiai.
Bondman, s. Apâni´ni.
Bondwoman, s. Apânikwai´.
Bone, s. Okun´.
Bone awl, Namung´.
Book, s. Muzziny´igun.
Book, s. dim, Muzziny´gons.
Book, s. dim & der, Muzziny´gonsish.
Book, s. local, Muzziny´guning.
Book, s. dim, der, & loc, Muzziny´gonsishing.
To book, v. Muzziny´igai.