arsmawa-(d)
‘(unknown)’
- Language
- Lydian
- Grammar
- verb
- ID
- 1441
1. Individual Anatolian Languages
1.1 Lydian
arsmawa-(d)
‘(unknown)’1.1.1Transmission
This word is found in an undated metrical inscription from Manisa of Sipylos and surroundings.
[D.S.]
1.1.2Forms
| 3sg. pres. act. | arsmawad | LW 44a.3 (Manisa) | |
| unknown | ars[- … ] | LW 44a.18 (Manisa) |
The grammatical interpretation of arsmawad as verbal form (thus Gérard 2005a:108) is likely in view of the parallel formation with ars-, i.e. arsτãnšrs ‘they -ed’ (LW 11.3). Nevertheless, a nominal form in the nom./acc. sg. n. would be formally possible. For the possible restoration of ars[- … ] as ars[mawad] see Meriggi 1935a:86
[D.S.]
1.1.3Graphic Features
Wikander (apud Gusmani 1964a:280) suggests the reading arsnawad instead. A new collation of the inscription is necessary.
[D.S.]
1.1.3.1Phonological Interpretation
Melchert 1994a:368 assumes that the sequence -wa- in -mawad is unaccented, because he expects pre-Lydian accented *-wá- to become Lyd. -wo-.
[D.S.]
1.1.4Meaning
The word arsmawa- can be interpreted as a compound ars- + mawa-. The first member of this compound is also found in arsτãnšrs ‘they -ed’ (LW 11.3). Whether ars- should be seen as a preverb instead cannot be proven currently. The second part -mawa- can be interpreted tentatively as a denominative verb cognate with Lyc. B mawa-(ti) ‘to make fourfold’, i.e. Lyd. *mawa-(d) ‘to make fourfold, to increase by much’. Unfortunately, the context arsmawa-(d) is attested in is obscure and fragmentary.
[D.S.]
1.1.5Origin
For a possible connection with the Luwian word for ‘4’, see CLuw. māwa(/i)-.
[D.S.]