Opelousa
/ɒpəˈluːsə/Now historical
noun
A member of a North American Indian people formerly inhabiting southern Louisiana, associated with the Atakapa and later the Chitimacha, but speaking a language of their own.
adjective
Of, relating to, or designating the Opelousas or their language.
Origin
Early 19th century. From French Opélousas, plural (first mentioned 1726 in an English edition of a French source) from Mobilian Jargon, explained as if from Choctaw abaʔ lósaʔ, lit. ‘black hair or head’ (from abaʔ above + lósaʔ black), but the combination is unidiomatic and the first element is obscure.