raposo

Meaning

fox (animal)

Frequency

Pronounced as (IPA)

/raˈposo̝/

Attested since 1439 (the derivative raposeyra since 1228). Either from a derivative of Latin rapum (“turnip”), whence Galician rabo (“tail”) (and influenced by the root of rapio (“snatch, grab”)), or from rapar (“to snatch”). Cf. also Asturian rapiega, Spanish raposo (which may also have influenced it).