Origin of the Word 'Palouse'

The generally accepted source of the word, Palouse, comes from the name of the major village of the Palouse Indians. The name is from the Sehaptin word for the village "palus," which means something sticking down in the water. The village was located at the confluence of the Palouse and Snake Rivers, and the something sticking down in the water was a large rock. The Palouse Indians believed the rock to be the solidified heart of Beaver who played an important role in their religious beliefs. The Nez Perce Indians believed the rock to be the canoe of Coyote who played an important part in their religion. The derivation of the name Palouse from "palus" has the support of Deward Walker and Roderick Sprague and is based on extensive research. A good source for finding out more about the name is in "The Meaning of 'Palouse'" in Idaho Yesterdays, Vol. 23, No 2., 1968.

Another interpretation which is often quoted is that the name derives from the French word 'pelouse' which means grassy spot or lawn. This version which states that French trappers bestowed this name on the area because of the rolling, grassy hills has been promulgated by many local people and publications. No historical source has been found for it. In fact, the French trappers were barely a presence in this area.

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