Dehgewanus

Gender Feminine
Usage Seneca

Meaning & History

From a name, also spelled as Dickewamis or Dehhewämis, which was given to the young British settler Mary Jemison (1743-1833) after she was captured and assimilated into the Seneca. Much later she claimed the name meant "pretty girl, pleasant thing", though this interpretation does not seem to be valid.

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Entry updated April 23, 2024