πτήσσω

Ancient Greek

Alternative forms

  • πτώσσω (ptṓssō)

Etymology

Of disputed origin:[1]

  • According to an extensive discussion by Hackstein, Tocharian B pyāk-tsi (to strike down) is related, which requires a reconstruction of the common root as Proto-Indo-European *pyeh₂(k)- (to strike down) (rather than as *pteh₂-k-). In this view, other cognates include πτοέω (ptoéō, to be scared, dismayed) and πταίω (ptaíō, to stumble, trip), as well as, from other Indo-European languages, Lithuanian pjáuti (to cut, mow) and perhaps Latin paviō (to beat, strike).
  • Beekes notes two issues with Hackstein's reconstruction: first, the semantic connection between the Tocharian word and the Greek verb is not obvious, and second, it neglects the evidence of πτωχός (ptōkhós, beggar), which is likely related and shows a Pre-Greek alternation. Thus, Beekes tentatively prefers a Pre-Greek derivation, but not enough to dismiss Hackstein's theory entirely.

Regardless, note also potential relation with Old Armenian թաքչիմ (tʻakʻčʻim, to hide).

Pronunciation

 

Verb

πτήσσω • (ptḗssō)

  1. (causal) to scare, alarm, terrify
  2. (intransitive) to crouch or cower for fear
  3. (of men in ambush) to crouch

Usage notes

  • The Imperfect Aeolic form ἔπταζον (éptazon) is attested
  • The poetic perfect participle form πεπτηώς (peptēṓs) is also attested.

Inflection

Derived terms

References

  1. ^ Beekes, Robert S. P. (2010), “πτήσσω”, in Etymological Dictionary of Greek (Leiden Indo-European Etymological Dictionary Series; 10), with the assistance of Lucien van Beek, Leiden, Boston: Brill, →ISBN, page 1248

Further reading