Kaatskill

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A range of mountains in southeastern New York State, part of the Appalachian system and a popular area for hiking and resorts
2. The Dutch-derived name of a mountainous region in southeastern New York, known for its forests, peaks and scenic valleys
3. A rugged upland area in southeastern New York State, historically associated with Rip Van Winkle and the Hudson River valley

Etymology: Kaatskill is a Dutch name, and the Dutch elements give the usual reading. "Kat" means cat, and "kill" meant a creek or stream channel, so the name is traditionally read as "cat creek." Dutch settlers in the Hudson Valley gave many waterways names ending in "kill," and this one came to cover the mountains that the streams drain. The "cat" part is less settled. Some accounts link it to wildcats or cougars once found in the region. Others suggest the Dutch name was an approximation of an indigenous place name, with the "cat" sound coming from that source rather than from the animal. The surviving evidence does not confirm either explanation, so "cat creek" remains the traditional reading rather than a proven one.