* Proto-Indo-European: The root word is believed to be "*lewp-," meaning "to seize, to grasp, to snatch." This makes sense considering the leopard's predatory nature.
* Ancient Greek: The word evolved into "λέων παρδαλίς" (leon pardalis), meaning "lion panther." This combination reflected the leopard's similar appearance to a panther and its lion-like hunting prowess.
* Latin: The Greek term was adopted into Latin as "leo pardus."
* Old French: This term further evolved into "leopard."
* English: We adopted the word directly from Old French.
Interestingly, the word "leopard" was initially used for any large spotted cat, not just the modern-day leopard. Over time, it became specific to the species we know today.
So, the word "leopard" has its roots in the ancient world, reflecting the animal's powerful hunting instincts and striking spotted coat.