Cub
/kʌb/noun
A young animal, especially a young bear, lion, or other large mammals.
Did you know?In medieval times, 'cub' referred not only to young animals but also to an inexperienced or foolish person, hinting at a time when youth was seen as a potential danger.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʲewb-
“to swell or grow, often associated with young growth.”
Old English
OE
cūb
“young offspring, particularly of a bear or large mammal.”
Middle English
ME
cubbe
“a young animal or cub, often used in hunting terms.”
16th Century
English
cub
“retained the meaning of a young bear or lion, expanding to mean young of various species.”
Modern English
English
cub
“now commonly refers to the young of various mammals, retaining its original essence.”