Algonquian, -kian, a. and n.
(ælˈgɒŋkɪən, -ŋkw-)
[f. Algonquin, by alteration of ending: see -ian.]
A. adj. Of or belonging to a large group of N. American Indians which includes the Algonquin people proper. B. n.
1. A member of this group.
2. Any one of the languages or dialects spoken by the people of this group.
| 1885 J. W. Powell in Bur. Amer. Ethnol. Rep. VII. 47 The area formerly occupied by the Algonquian family was more extensive than that of any other linguistic stock in North America. 1891 J. C. Pilling (title) Bibliography of the Algonquian Languages. Ibid., Pref. p. iii, The Algonquian speaking peoples. 1900 tr. Deniker's Races of Man 526 The original home of the Algonquians was the region around Hudson's Bay. 1907 F. W. Hodge Handbk. N. Amer. Ind. I. 40/1 The Central Algonquians are tall. 1938 R. H. Lowie Hist. Ethnol. Theory vi. 63 He recognized the criteria of..the ‘Omaha’ system and indicated its occurrence among the Algonkian..family. Ibid. vii. 84 He [sc. Tylor] definitely ascribes the latter view only to Algonkians, Fijians, and Karens. |