Lycanthrope Name Issues

[TheDisgaean]

Not sure if this has been asked yet, but does anybody know what the correct term for werebeasts other than werewolves?

I'm working on a character who studies werebeasts/therianthopes and one his quirks is that he's extremely anal about using the correct terminology. The lyc- in lycanthrope comes from lykos, the Greek word for wolf, but what about the other animals?

I have bears as "arctanthropy" (from arktos, Greek for bear.), but what about rats, boars, tigers, and the rest?

[Kobold Catgirl]

Lycanthrope is intended as the catchall, probably because werewolves are the most common and well-documented example in-universe. Using "lycanthrope" as a scientific name basically means you just have two names for the same monster. Seems like more trouble than it's worth.

[Evil Midnight Lurker]

I've heard "galeanthrope" for werecats, not sure of its derivation or accuracy.

EDIT: Also, the proper catchall is "therianthrope."

[voodoo chili]

I guess just look up how to say the animal in greek and stick it on -anthrope.

wererat= arouraianthrope

[Cole Deschain]

Evil Midnight Lurker wrote:

EDIT: Also, the proper catchall is "therianthrope."

Indeed.

You can also go with "Skinchanger" if you're feeling old-fashioned.