λαισήϊα

λαισήϊα

Grammatical information: n. pl.

Meaning: `a kind of shields, made from raw skins (E 453 = M 426 λαισήϊά τε πτερόεντα, Hdt. 7, 91 ὠμοβοέης πεποιημένα, used by the Cilicians).

Origin: PG [a word of Pre-Greek origin]

Etymology: Ending as in the instrument-names in -ήϊον, -εῖον, recalling λάσιος, but further unclear, prob. foreign word (e. g. Chantraine Form. 55, Schwyzer 61). Because of the place in Hdt. Hermann supposes Glotta 13, 152 Anatolian (Cilician) origin. Further see Trümpy Fachausdrücke 38 f. - Here λαισάς ἡ παχεῖα ἐξωμίς (H.)? Fur. 182 compares λαῖτα πέλτη H.; also λᾶδος etc. `light, cheap cloth' (the last not very convincing). Fur. 258 mentions λαίδας ἡ ἀσπίς ἀπὸ βύρσης (Theognost. Can. 9, Zonar.). If the comparison with λαῖτα is correct, the word will be Pre-Greek. λαισάς seems something different.

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