νεκύδαλ\<λ\>ος

νεκύδαλ\<λ\>ος

Grammatical information: m.

Meaning: `the nympha of the silkworm' (Arist., Ath., Clem. Alex.); on the meaning Immisch Glotta 6,203ff.

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

Etymology: Formation like κορύ-δ-αλ(λ)ος `crested lark' (s. κόρυδος), "somit wohl von νέκυς wegen der anscheinenden Leblosigkeit der Puppe"; this interpretation seems to me most improbable. The word is clearly Pre-Greek (on -αλ(λ)ος see Beekes, FS Kortlandt). Acc. to Immisch l.c. the name is also connected with the view of the Seelenschmetterling (butterfly of the soul) and its symbolic views. Wrong Güntert Kalypso 220 f.: prop. "deathworm", from νέκυς and del- `split' in δαιδάλλω etc..

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