papoose

noun

pa·​poose pa-ˈpüs 

pə-

plural papooses

1

dated, offensive; see usage paragraph below : an Indigenous baby or young child of North America

2

chiefly British, sometimes offensive; see usage paragraph below : a baby carrier (see baby carrier sense 1) that usually consists of a cloth pouch, wrap, or sling for wearing around the torso

She carried her three-month-old tot Apollo in a leopard print papoose, while wearing an all-black ensemble.

—Rebecca Davison

The star gave birth to a daughter … and clearly dotes on the newborn, carrying her around New York in a furry papoose.

—Tamara Abraham

Usage of Papoose

The term papoose comes from a Narragansett word. It is regarded as offensive in English because of a history of generalized use that negates distinctions between Indigenous peoples, as well as its appearance in historical documentation of genocide. The British use referring to a style of baby carrier is sometimes regarded as offensive by association.

Word History

Etymology

Narragansett papoòs

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for papoose

• accrues
• accuse
• aircrews
• amuse
• bamboos
• breakthroughs
• canoes
• cashews
• chartreuse
• confuse
• construes
• defuse

Kids Definition

papoose

noun

pa·​poose pa-ˈpüs 

pə-

often offensive

: an Indigenous baby or young child of North America