wigman

wigman

A family gathers inside their wigman for a meal.

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • A type of dwelling: "wigman" is a variant spelling of "wigwam," referring to a dome-shaped or conical dwelling traditionally used by Native American peoples, especially in the eastern and northeastern regions of North America. It is typically made from a frame of poles covered with bark, hides, or mats.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The tribe built a wigman near the river for temporary shelter. (A dwelling made from poles and bark.)
    • In the museum, there is a replica of a traditional wigman. (A reproduction of a Native American dwelling.)
Advanced Usage
  • "wigman" as a regional or historical variant: In some 19th-century texts, "wigman" appears as an alternative spelling, but it is not widely accepted in modern usage.
    • The old journal described the wigman as a sturdy structure. (The journal used an archaic spelling.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Wigwam (n): the standard spelling of the same term.
    • They lived in a wigwam during the winter months. (The preferred spelling for the dwelling.)
  • Wickiup (n): a similar dwelling used by Native American groups in the southwestern United States, often more temporary and made from brush or grass.
    • The Apache built a wickiup for a short hunting trip. (A related but distinct structure.)
Synonyms
  • Lodge: a general term for a dwelling or shelter.
  • Hut: a small, simple dwelling.
  • Shelter: a structure providing protection from the elements.
Related Idioms
  • No direct idioms: The word "wigman" does not appear in common idiomatic expressions. However, "wigwam" is sometimes used in phrases like "the big wigwam" to refer to a large meeting place or council house in historical contexts.
Phrasal Verbs
  • No phrasal verbs: "Wigman" is not used in phrasal verb constructions.
Additional Notes
  • Etymology: The word "wigwam" comes from the Eastern Algonquian languages, likely from the Abenaki word , meaning "dwelling." "Wigman" is a rare anglicized variant that may have arisen from mishearing or transcription errors.
  • Usage caution: For clarity and accuracy, use "wigwam" instead of "wigman" in modern English.