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In the sense of "snake-killing ichneumon of India," first record 1698, perhaps via Portugese (Goa), from the Indic (cf. Mahrathi mangus "mongoose"), probably ultimately from Dravidian (cf. Telugu mangisu, Kanarese mungisi, Malayalam mangis). The form of the English word altered by folk-etymology.

(n.b. Author's personal experience discovers mongoose husbandry commonly proximate to temples worshipping Naga, Hindu god/snake manifestation in southern India; Kerala and Tamilnadu)

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13y ago
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12y ago

The word mongoose is derived from the Marathi name mangus (मंगूस) (pronounced as [məŋɡuːs]), perhaps ultimately from Dravidian (cf. Telugu mungeesa (ముంగిస), Kannada mungisi (ಮುಙಿಸಿ). The form of the English name (since 1698) was altered to its -goose ending by folk-etymology. It has no etymological connection with the word goose. The plural form is mongooses.

It's derived from Darvidian.

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12y ago

the ancient dravidian languages of south India

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12y ago

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11y ago

From the Marathi language of western and central India - mangus

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Q: What original language did mongoose derive from?
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