An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The Stern. One of the larger constellations of the southern hemisphere representing the stern of the ship Argo Navis, located at 7h 30m right ascension, 40° south declination. Its brightest star is → Naos. Abbreviation: Pup; genitive: Puppis.

Etymology (EN): From L. puppis “stern, poop, the rear, or aft part of a ship or boat.”

Etymology (PE): Pasâl, from pas “behind” (e.g.: pas-e pardé “behind the curtain”), variant pošt “back; the back; behind” (Mid.Pers. pas “behind, before, after;” O.Pers. pasā “after;” Av. pasca “behind (of space); then, afterward (of time);” cf. Skt. paścā “behind, after, later;” L. post, as above; O.C.S. po “behind, after;” Lith. pas “at, by;” PIE *pos-, *posko-) + -âl, → -al. → prow = farâl (فرال).