wampum

Etymology

A clipping of wampumpeag ("wampum"), probably borrowed from Massachusett wampompeage, meaning "string of white beads used as money". Compare peag, meaning "string of white beads used as money", which is likewise a clipping of wampumpeag. The sense "common kingsnake" comes from the snake's resemblance to a string of wampum. Cognate with Penobscot wάpαpəyak (singular wάpαpi) and Unami òpapiàk (singular òpapi).