zuse/i-

This lexeme 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. sg.	zusi	TL 44d.20 (Xanthos)
abl./instr. (?)	zusedi! (?)	TL 44d.19 (Xanthos)

These attestations are surely nominal not verbal (Melchert (DLL:138), Schürr 2018b:86).

[D.S.]

The curious double dd following zuse in line 19 is possibly to be emended to zusedi^!, which would yield an ablative-instrumental form. Thus, there would be no dat./loc. pl. zuse (pace DLL:138) or nom. sg. zuse (pace Shevoroshkin 2011a:34). Nonetheless, due to the obscurity of the lexeme and the passage, any claim must be considered tentative.

[D.S.]

Shevoroshkin 2011a:34 argues that zus- is the name of the Greek god Zeus, which occurs in Lycian A as zeusi (followed by Gehrisch 2018a:90). Although it is not a priori impossible, it is exceedingly difficult to prove due to the fragmentary and obscure state of the passage. Therefore, we leave the translation of zuse/i- open.

[D.S.]

For the possibility of a borrowing, see under Meaning. However, the word might be an appellative instead and have a proper Anatolian etymology. Further evidence is needed.

[D.S.]