Wapiti -   1. noun - Large North American deer, Cervus canadenis, closely related to the Old World red deer. It is commonly called Elk in America although this can be confusing since the name Elk is used in Europe to refer to the moose. The name Wapiti originates from the Shawnee literally meaning "white rump". The wapiti is grayish brown, with a chestnut mane and light, yellowish rump patch and a short tail. It is the largest of the deer family besides the moose; the male stands up to 5 feet at the shoulder and weighs up to 1,000 lbs. The male has antlers with 5 or more points on each branch and up to a 5-ft spread.