maban

• mabain, mabanba

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

• IPA^(key): /ˈmaːbæn/

maban (uncountable)

1. A magical material in Australian Aboriginal mythology, from which the shamans and elders derive their powers; it is often in the form of stones, and may be associated with quartz crystals, mother-of-pearl, etc.

From Middle Welsh maban. By surface analysis, mab (“son”) +‎ -an (diminutive suffix).

maban m (plural mabanod or mabanau)

1. baby, infant

   Synonyms: baban, babi

• mabanaidd (“infantile”)
• mabandod (“infancy”)

• R. J. Thomas, G. A. Bevan, P. J. Donovan, A. Hawke et al., editors (1950–present), “maban”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies