metm̃me/i-

The existence of this lexeme is not assured. It is found in the inscription of the inscribed pillar of Xanthos, dated contextually to shortly after the ascension of Artaxerxes II in 405-404 BCE and stylistically to around 400 BCE (Borchhardt & Eichner 1997-1999a:19f.).

[D.S.]

dat./loc. pl.

metm̃me

TL 44c.63 (Xanthos)

The alternative interpretation of Melchert (DLL:121, followed by Schürr 2016d:164, 171, Gehrisch 2018a:83) of dividing me=tm̃me is syntactically less attractive, unless the subject wa^!xsaba laba was assumed to be dislocated from the clause. Since there is no evidence for a word tm̃me, we will refrain from splitting the word in two. Contra Schürr 2016d:171, analyzing tm̃me as a participle of ta-^(di) ‘to place’ would make no sense as an attribute of xbade ‘river-valleys’.

[D.S.]

Taken at face value, the word metm̃me is an attribute of xbade ‘to the (inhabitants of) river-valleys’, who are the recipients of offerings (Sasseville 2021a:422f.; cf. Gehrisch 2018a:83).

[D.S.]

The word metm̃me/i- may go back to a participle in -me/i-, i.e. met-(e)-me/i-. Further evidence is needed to confirm any of the claims made.

[D.S.]

No etymology possible.

[D.S.]