Donner

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A historical figure known for his role in the early American west, particularly as a leader during a pioneering expedition in the 19th century
2. Also refers to a surname of notable individuals and families associated with various professions
3. In some contexts, it may signify a person who provides or gives something, derived from the act of offering or bestowing gifts

Etymology: The most surprising link is to thunder. Dutch "donder" means thunder, and English thunder is a doublet of it, the same word that split into two forms over time. Afrikaans, which grew out of Dutch, took "donder" in the sense of thrashing, so the Afrikaans line of this word carries the force of a blow rather than a storm. A separate etymology builds the word from "don" with the suffix "-er", which gives the sense of one who gives or bestows something.

Synonyms: Donner Party