Early Hick Lexicon, Old Reference

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Early Hick Lexicon

The Early Hick lexicon, as attested, consists of mostly noun forms. These nouns can represent a wide range of meanings, including actions, properties, or relationships, which are traditionally the domain of verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in other languages.

For grammatical information and language overview, see Early Hick.

Historical Sound Changes

For Proto-Hick vowel harmony and its development into Early Hick,

see: Proto-Hick Phonological Processes

For stress-related vowel changes,

see: Vowel Allophony

Usage Notes

1. Cross-references are marked with →
2. Etymologies are shown in parentheses
3. Compound derivations are marked with <
4. Example sentences show full morphological analysis
5. Apostrophes (') are used to transcribe glottal stops in phonemic transcriptions

Action Terms

Basic Actions

'ir [ʔir]

action

Proto-Hick *heru → 'ir

Note: Source of verbalizer suffix -'er through grammaticalization. Forms basic verb 'ir'er "to do"

tag'er [tag.ʔer]

to make, to craft

tag-'er "hand-VERB" → tag'er

Note: Shows concrete development from manual action to general creation. Contrasts with abstract 'ir'er "to do".

See: Body Parts

Physical Actions

tak [tak]

strike, impact

touch, contact

Proto-Hick *taku → tak

Note: Onomatopoeic origin

krantak [kran.tak]

to pierce, stab

kran-tak "spike-strike" → krantak

Note: Shows instrumental compound formation - striking with a spike.

See: Basic Actions, Weapon Terms

krak'er [krak.ʔer]

to bite

krak-'er "tooth-VERB" → krak'er

siltak [sil.tak]

touch, tactile sensation

sil-tak "skin-contact" → siltak

Note: Shows development of tactile terms from body part compounds. Contrasts with plain tak'er for forceful contact.

See: Body Parts

siltak'er [sil.tak.ʔer]

to touch, to feel

siltak-'er "skin.contact-VERB" → siltak'er

Note: Primary verb for tactile sensation. Developed to disambiguate from tak'er "to hit" after sound merger of taku andtahaku.

See: Body Parts

'ilisal [ʔi.li.sal]

visit (a place); experience personally; confirm via experiment

Proto-Hick 'ilis-'al "knowledge-person" → 'ilisal

Note: Shows semantic development from "knowledge-person" to active experiential learning. Forms verb 'ilisal'er "to visit, to experience firsthand".

See: Mental Terms, Action Terms

aiesp [ai.esp]

bathe, immerse in water

ai-esp "water-under" → aiesp

Note: Shows lexicalization of subessive case marking into a basic verb. Forms verb aiesp'er "to bathe". Contrasts with ailas'er "to enter water" (illative) and aiimris'er "to exit water" (ellative).

See: Water Features, Motion Terms

Perceptual Actions

thren [θren]

watch, observe

Proto-Hick *threnu → thren

Note: Basic perception verb

hilis [hi.lis]

sight, active vision

Proto-Hick *hilisu → hilis

Note: Forms two contrasting verbs:

• hilis'er "to look" (active/intentional seeing)

• his'er "to see" (passive/unintentional perception)

pir'er [pir.ʔer]

to listen

pir-'er "ear-VERB" → pir'er

Note: Active perception verb.

See: Body Parts

pirlas'er [pir.las.ʔer]

to hear

pir-las-'er "ear-ILL-VERB" → pirlas'er

Note: Passive perception verb using illative to mark reception of sound. Contrasts with active pir'er "listen".

See: Body Parts

kar'er [kar.ʔer]

to smell

kar-'er "nose-VERB" → kar'er

Motion Actions

'ir [ʔir]

movement, motion;action

Proto-Hick *heru → 'ir

Note: Source of verbalizer suffix -'er through grammaticalization

'irur [ʔi.rur]

repetition, again

Proto-Hick *heru-heru → 'irur

Note: From reduplicated form of*heru "action". Forms grammaticalized iterative marker -rur/-ur through phonological reduction

sinas [si.nas]

play; drift, passage

Proto-Hick *senu-asa-u → sinas

Note: From *senu "float" + *asa (PERL) + *u (NOM), literally "floating through"

Primary meaning: "play", connected to free movement

Secondary meaning: "drift", related to play

barak [ba.rak]

walking, gait

Proto-Hick *baraku → barak

Note: Forms verb barak'er "to walk" with -'er suffix

mabarak [ma.ba.rak]

march, collective walking

ma-barak → mabarak

Note: From plural marker + "walk", forms verb mabarak'er "to march".

See also barak "walk"

sin [sin]

floating

Proto-Hick *senu → sin

Note: Forms verb sin'er "to float".

See also Maritime Terms

dak [dak]

snake

Proto-Hick *daluku → dak

Note: From root meaning "slither", forms verb dak'er "to slither"

norath [no.raθ]

to ride (a mount)

Eldrim nortʰa "to make run" → norath

(borrowed term)

Note: Early borrowing from Eldrim, shows cultural contact predating widespread horse domestication.

See: Animal Terms, Motion Actions

trask'er [tras.kʔer]

to run

trask-'er "leg-VERB" → trask'er

Note: Shows typical body part → action semantic extension. Forms common compounds: istrask'er "run out", lastrask'er "run in".

See: Motion Actions, Body Parts

sinthir [sin.θir]

fly

sin-thir "float-air" → sinthir

Note: Shows metaphorical extension of floating motion to aerial movement.

See: Motion Actions, Basic Terms

par [par]

crawl

Proto-Hick *paru-heru "belly-motion" → par

Note: Shows semantic development from "belly-motion" to general "crawl". Forms compounds like parlis "crawler" (child/baby).

See: Motion Terms, Body Parts taglas [tag.las]

take, receive

tag-las "hand-ILL" → taglas

Note: Shows common pattern of illative case marking motion into hand. Contrasts with tagimris "give".

See: Motion Terms, Body Parts

tagimris [tag.im.ris]

give

tag-imris "hand-ELL" → tagimris

Note: Shows common pattern of ellative case marking motion from hand. Contrasts with taglas "take".

See: Motion Terms, Body Parts

Bodily/Life Actions

vinuimris [vi.nu.im.ris]

to give birth

vinu + imris (ELL) → vinuimris

venuiter [ve.nu.i.ter]

to give birth

venu-iter "burden-ELL.DIAL"

Note: Inland dialect form preserved in formal greetings, showing retention of older forms away from maritime influence

Note: Sacred term for childbirth

murvinuiter [mur.vi.nu.i.ter]

to abort

mur + vinuiter → murvinuiter

Note: Literally "from night-birth" bresubel [bre.su.bel]

shout, yell

Proto-Hick *bresu-belu "shout-mouth" → bresubel

Note: Shows typical compound formation with body part term. Forms verb bresubel'er "to shout". Contrasts with 'u'u for softer vocalizations.

See: Sound Terms, Body Parts

Consumption Actions

gras [gras]

grass

Proto-Hick *grasu → gras

Note: Forms verb gras'er "to graze", typically of animals feeding

ter [ter]

flow, fluid motion

Proto-Hick *teru → ter

Note: Forms verb ter'er "to drink". Flow meanings use directional affixes instead

sinibel [si.ni.bel]

taste

sin-ibel "float-tongue" → sinibel

Note: Shows metaphorical extension of floating motion to sensory perception

See: Taste Terms, Body Parts

Position/Stance Actions

'irek [ʔi.rek]

stand; firmness

Proto-Hick *hi-reku → 'irek

Note: Shows archaic animacy prefix, forms verb 'irek'er "to stand"

asamitar [a.sa.mi.tar]

to sit, rest upon

asam-itar "rest-SUPER" → asamitar

Note: From asam "rest, resting place" with superessive case, literally "rest upon". Shows common pattern of case suffixes becoming lexicalized into verbs.

See: Position/Stance Actions, Basic Terms

asamasam [a.sa.ma.sam]

to lie down

asam-asam "rest-SUBE" → asamasam

Note: From asam "rest" with subessive case -asam, literally "rest downward". Shows parallel formation to asamitar "sit".

See: Position/Stance Actions

Magical/Sacred Actions

kul'er [kul.ʔer]

to perform magic

kul + -'er → kul'er

Note: Used in ritual contexts

Emotional/Mental Actions

sibris [si.bris]

romantic love

Proto-Hick *hibrisu "fire" → sibris

Note: Metaphorical extension from "fire" to "passion/love"

See: Sacred Terms, Abstract Concepts

meris [me.ris]

unconditional love

Proto-Hick *meru-risu → meris

Note: From "heart-towards", metaphorical extension to deep, lasting emotional bond. Shows archaic lative case usage.

See: Abstract Concepts, Case System

gnater [gna.ter]

desire

gnar-ter "correct-flow" → gnater

Note: Forms grammaticalized desiderative suffix -nat through phonological reduction

See: Basic Terms, Grammatical Terms

'ilis [ʔi.lis]

knowledge

dialectal borrowing with animacy prefix

Note: Borrowed alongside hilis, shows stative/abstract development of perception root

Forms agent noun 'ilisok "teacher"

'ilisimris'er [ʔi.li.sim.ris.ʔer]

to teach

'ilis-imris "knowledge-ELL" → 'ilisimris'er

Note: Literally "to cause knowledge to go out from", showing productive use of ellative for causative meanings. Forms agent noun 'ilisimrisok "teacher"

imlis [im.lis]

fear, dread

im-lis "evil-see" → imlis

Note: Shows semantic development from "seeing evil" to general fear. Forms verb imlis'er "to fear". Contrasts with hilis "sight" and 'ilis "knowledge"

See: Emotional Terms, Perception Terms

imasam [i.ma.sam]

to cower, hide from fear

im-asam "evil-rest" → imasam

Note: Shows metaphorical extension of "resting under" to fearful hiding. Forms agent noun imasamok "coward"

See: Emotional Terms, Position Terms

imlisrur [im.lis.rur]

anxiety, constant fear

imlis-rur "fear-ITER" → imlisrur

(iterative suffix)

Note: Shows semantic extension of iterative aspect to ongoing mental state. Forms verb imlisrur'er "to be anxious". Contrasts with acute imlis "fear"

See: Mental States, Emotional Terms

imlis'er [im.li.sʔer]

to flee, run from fear

imlis-'er "fear-VERB" → imlis'er

Note: Shows development of fear emotion to motion verb. Contrasts with neutral trask'er "run (neutral)"

See: Motion Verbs

imlisitar [im.li.si.tar]

to flinch, startle

imlis-itar "fear-SUPE" → imlisitar

Note: Shows development of superessive case to indicate sudden upward motion

See: Motion Verbs, Case System

'u'u ['u.'u]

cry, weep (in sorrow/pain)

Proto-Hick *'uhu-'uhu "cry" (onomatopoeic)

Note: Shows regular loss of medial -h-. Preserves glottal stops from PH. Reduplicated form suggesting continuous sobbing/crying. Often intensified through additional reduplication.

See: Emotion Terms, Sound Terms

Construction/Dwelling Actions

vinud [vi.nud]

building, dwelling; home

Proto-Hick *venu-wudu → vinud

Note: From 'burden' + 'wood', forms verb vinud'er "to build, to dwell"

Tool/Craft Actions

ar [ar]

cut, cutting action

Proto-Hick *xaru → ar

Note: Forms verb ar'er "to cut"

arum [a.rum]

sketch; draw

Proto-Hick *xaru-uma → arum

Note: From "cut" with archaic allative case, showing semantic extension from physical cutting to artistic marking

'irur [ʔi.rur]

hollow

Proto-Hick *heru-lumuru → 'irur

Note: Derived from "act of emptying," reflecting the concept of hollowness

'ihir [ʔi.hir]

mine; vein of minerals/metals

Proto-Hick *heru lu xiru → 'ihir

Note: Literally "move through ore", shows development of specialized mining terminology, reanalyzed as place where mining occurs due to nominal form

Conflict Actions

imwes [im.wes]

invade, encroach upon

im-wes "evil-enclose" → imwes

Note: Shows productive use of im- prefix for harmful actions. Forms verb imwes'er

See: Action Terms, Conflict Terms

Core Semantic Fields

Basic Terms

Basic Terms

haran [ha.ran]

split, divide

Proto-Hick *haranu → haran

See: Proto-Hick Phonological Processes

ward [ward]

direct, guide; travel with

Proto-Hick *wardu → ward

See: Sacred Terms

tak [tak]

strike, impact;

touch, contact

Proto-Hick *taku → tak

Note: Onomatopoeic origin; directional sense from cultural association with dominant striking hand

See: Directional Terms

stor [stor]

grow; add, increment

Proto-Hick *storu → stor

(final vowel loss)

Note: Mathematical sense developed from basic meaning "grow"

See: Sacred Terms

'imer [ʔi.mer]

life

Proto-Hick *hi-mer → 'imer

See: Spirit Terms

temer [te.mer]

death

Proto-Hick *telu-himeru → temer

Note: Literally "end of life"

See: Spirit Terms, Sacred Terms

istor [is.tor]

growth (living)

Proto-Hick *hi-storu → istor

(initial sibilant loss, final vowel loss)

See: Sacred Terms

gnar [gnar]

correct

Proto-Hick *gnaru → gnar

See: Sacred Terms

etil [e.til]

thing

Proto-Hick *etilu → etil

See: Basic Terms

maetil [ma.e.til]

many things; everything

ma-etil "PLURAL-thing" → maetil

Note: Shows semantic extension from plural marker to universal quantifier. Forms compounds like maetiltak "all-strike" (complete action).

See: Basic Terms, Quantifiers

'etil [ʔe.til]

living thing

Proto-Hick *hi-etilu → 'etil

Note: Shows animacy marking through glottal prefix

See: Spirit Terms, Sacred Terms

'il [ʔil]

good, kind

Proto-Hick *hi-halu → 'il

(initial fricative change, vowel coalescence)

Note: Shows archaic animacy marking through glottal prefix

See: Sacred Terms, Basic Terms

ven [ven]

yoke, burden

Proto-Hick *venu → ven

See: Basic Terms, Tool Terms

vin [vin]

pregnancy

Proto-Hick *venu "yoke" → vinu

Inland dialects use vinused < *venu-sedu "burden-seed"

See: Body Parts, Sacred Terms

pak [pak]

poke

Proto-Hick *paku → pak

See: Tool Terms

asam [a.səm]

rest, resting place

Proto-Hick *xasamu

Note: Shows regular voiced glottal fricative loss. Source of subessive case marker -asam "under, beneath" through metaphorical extension of "resting place"

See: Body Parts for compound vinusam "shoulder"

wes [wes]

cover, enclose

Proto-Hick *wesu → wes

Note: Basic term for enclosure/covering. Forms compounds for containers

Examples:

• wes'er "to cover, enclose" (with verbalizer -'er)

• kawes "enclosed" (with adjectival ka-)

ewes [e.wes]

together with; together

Proto-Hick *ʔelu-lawes → ewes

Note: From instrumental*ʔelu "by means of" + *lawes "consume", showing semantic development from "consuming with" to general accompaniment

Functions both as pre-absolutive adverbial marker and independent lexical item

See: Basic Terms, Grammatical Terms

'ibri ['ib.ri]

excrement, manure

Proto-Hick *'ibari → 'ibri

(vowel loss)

Note: Basic term for excrement. Forms compounds for agricultural uses

See: Basic Terms, Agricultural Terms

ul [ul]

thumb

grasp

Proto-Hick *ʔulu → ul

Note: Original root*ʔulu (~800 PF) had meanings "thumb/grasp/possession". By Late Proto-Hick (~400 PF), bare form ulu specialized to "thumb/possession", while locative form ulisu took on "grasp" meaning. Early Hick ul preserves "thumb" meaning and grammaticalizes into possessive suffix -ul.

See: Body Parts, Grammatical Terms

ul'er [ul.ʔer]

to grasp

ul-'er "thumb-VERB" → ul'er

Note: Shows development of thumb meaning to motion verb

See: Motion Verbs

us [us]

grasp, possession

Proto-Hick *ʔulu-isu → ulisu → us

Note: Developed from locative form of*ʔulu (~400 PF) specializing in "grasp" meaning. By Early Hick (~100 PF), us maintains both concrete "grasp" and abstract "possession" meanings. Forms verb us'er "to grasp, to own".

See: Basic Terms

us'er [us.ʔer]

to possess, to own

us-'er "possess-VERB" → us'er

Note: Shows development of grasp meaning to motion verb

See: Motion Verbs

impal [im.pal]

weakness, frailty (lit. "ill-belly")

im-pal "ill-belly" → impal

Note: Source of adjective kaimpal "weak". Shows metaphorical extension of belly/gut health to general strength.

See: Body Parts, Basic Terms

eltek [el.tek]

compacted, condensed (esp. of soil); shaped from loose material

Proto-Hick *ʔelu-taku → eltek

Note: From phrase "grale 'elu taku" (soil together hit). Shows semantic development from physical action to resultant state.

See: Basic Terms, Earth Terms

Basic Properties

kator [ka.tor]

massive, heavy

ka-tor "peak-like" → kator

Note: Shows metaphorical extension from height to mass/weight

See: Basic Properties, Landforms

kali [ka.li]

light, small

ka-li "small-like" → kali

Note: Shows reanalysis of diminutive prefix as independent root

See: Basic Properties, Augmentative/Diminutive

kapal [ka.pal]

strong, vigorous (lit. "healthy-bellied")

ka-pal "like-belly" → kapal

Note: Shows metaphorical extension of belly/gut health to general strength. Contrasts with kaimpal "weak". Forms compounds like kapaltak "strong-strike" (forceful action).

See: Body Parts, Basic Terms

kaimpal [ka.im.pal]

weak, feeble (lit. "ill-bellied")

ka-im-pal "like-ill-belly" → kaimpal

Note: Shows metaphorical extension of belly/gut health to general strength. Contrasts with kapal "strong" (lit. "healthy-bellied").

See: Body Parts, Basic Terms

kakrak [kak.rak]

sharp, pointed

< ADJ-krak "tooth"

Shows typical adjectival reduplication pattern

See: Body Parts

Gestural Terms

ba [ba]

nod; agree (by nodding)

Proto-Hick *baha "rhythmic head motion"

Note: Shows development from coordinated group gesture. Basic agreement term that preserves rhythmic origin. Often reduplicated for continuous motion.

See: Gesture Terms, Group Terms

Derived Terms

temerok [te.me.rok]

killer, murderer; predator

temer-ok "death-AGENT" → temerok

Note: Literally "death-bringer". Primary sense of killer/murderer extends to predatory animals.

See: Basic Terms, Animal Terms

ven'er [ven.ʔer]

to carry

ven-'er "yoke-VERB" → ven'er

venitar [ve.ni.tar]

to lift

ven-itar "yoke-SUPER" → venitar

(superessive case)

Note: Lexicalized from superessive case of "yoke"

See: Verbal Terms

venuiter [vi.nu.i.ter]

to give birth

venu-itar "pregnancy-ELL" → venuiter

(ellative case)

Note: Lexicalized from ellative case of "pregnancy"

See: Verbal Terms, Sacred Terms

kabrast [ka.brast]

skilled with hands

ka-brast "like-dominant.arm" → kabrast

Note: Specifically for craft skills requiring hand coordination; does not extend to martial or athletic dexterity

See: Body Parts

brastok [bras.tok]

craftsman

brast-ok "dominant.arm-AGENT" → brastok

Note: General term for skilled artisans. Shows cultural link between dominant hand and craft skills

See: Body Parts

asamitar [a.sa.mi.tar]

to sit, rest upon

asam-itar "rest-SUPER" → asamitar

Note: From asam "rest, resting place" with superessive case, literally "rest upon". Shows common pattern of case suffixes becoming lexicalized into verbs

See: Position/Stance Actions, Basic Terms

litil [li.til]

small thing

li-etil "DIM-thing" → litil

Note: Shows productive use of diminutive prefix with basic noun

See: Basic Terms, Augmentative/Diminutive

Conjunctions

ru [ru]

and

Proto-Hick *storu → ru

Note: Grammaticalized from "grow" sense through semantic bleaching

See: Basic Terms

Derived Terms

takutak [ˈta.ku.tək]

rhythm

Proto-Hick *takutaku → takutak

Note: Preserves onomatopoeic reduplication

Interrogatives

Basic Forms

'aka [ʔa.ka]

what

Proto-Hick *haka → 'aka

Note: Basic question root, shows archaic animacy marking

Proximal Forms

'alis [ʔa.lis]

who

'aka-'al-is "who" (what-person-PROX.ANIM)

Note: Used for visible/known referents and confirmation

'atal [ʔa.tal]

where

'aka-tal-is "where" (what-place-PROX.INAN)

'atel [ʔa.tel]

when

'aka-tel-is "when" (what-time-PROX.INAN)

'aker [ʔa.ker]

how

'aka-'er-is "how" (what-VERB-PROX.INAN)

Medial Forms

'aleth [ʔa.leθ]

who

'aka-'al-eth "who" (sensed person)

Note: Used for heard/sensed but not seen referents

'ateth [ʔa.teθ]

where

'aka-tal-eth "where" (sensed location)

'ateleth [ʔe.te.leθ]

when

'aka-tel-eth "when" (sensed time)

'akereth [ʔa.ke.reθ]

how

'aka-'er-eth "how" (sensed manner)

Distal Forms

'alum [ʔa.lum]

who

'aka-'al-um "who" (unknown person)

Note: Default form for seeking new information

'atum [ʔa.tum]

where

'aka-tal-um "where" (unknown location)

'atelum [ʔe.te.lum]

when

'aka-tel-um "when" (unknown time)

'akerum [ʔa.ke.rum]

how

'aka-'er-um "how" (unknown manner)

Abstract Concepts

Moral & Ethical Terms

thil [θil]

virtue, moral; purity

Proto-Hick *halu → thil

Note: Abstract sense developed from basic meaning

See: Sacred Terms, Abstract Concepts

tal [tal]

place, location

< Pre-Hick dialect tal < Proto-Hickhalu "place of cleansing"

(dialectal borrowing)

Note: Borrowed from Pre-Hick dialect where *halu developed spatial meaning. Contrasts with thil "virtue" from same root. Forms many location compounds.

See: Spatial Terms, Basic Terms

thid [θid]

truth

Proto-Hick *hawadu "sacred way" → thid

Note: Shows semantic development from "sacred path" to abstract "truth"

imurud [i.mu.rud]

falsehood

imur-wudu "evil-path" → imurud

Note: Shows semantic extension from physical to abstract meaning.

See: Sacred Terms, Abstract Concepts

im'ir [im.ʔir]

ill intent, malice

im-'ir "evil-action" → im'ir

Note: Shows metaphorical extension of negative prefix with action root.

See: Sacred Terms, Abstract Concepts

torthil [tor.θil]

arrogance, haughtiness

tor-thil "great-virtue" → torthil

Note: Shows ironic compound formation - excessive virtue becoming a flaw. Forms verb torthil'er "to be arrogant".

See: Abstract Concepts, Emotional Terms

Logical Terms

'irek [ʔi.rek]

stand; firmness; truth

Proto-Hick *hi-reku → 'irek

Note: Shows archaic animacy prefix. Semantic extension from physical firmness to abstract truth

See: Sacred Terms, Abstract Concepts

'it [ʔit]

knot (in wood); falsehood

Proto-Hick *xitu → 'it

Note: Primary meaning refers to natural knots in wood/lumber. Abstract meaning "falsehood" derives from concept of deviation in wood grain

See: Construction Terms, Abstract Concepts

Vision & Perception

mulis [mu.lis]

dream, vision

Proto-Hick *muruhilisu → mulis

See: Bodily Functions, Sacred Terms

mulisthral [mu.lis.θral]

prophetic dream

mulis-thral → mulisthral

(compound fusion, maintains second element due to sacred term)

mulisim [mu.li.sim]

nightmare

mulis-im → mulisim

Emotional Terms

sibris [si.bris]

romantic love

Proto-Hick *hibrisu "fire" → sibris

Note: Metaphorical extension from "fire" to "passion/love"

See: Sacred Terms, Abstract Concepts

dakisa [da.ki.sa]

infatuation

Proto-Hick *daluku-isa-hihasa → dakisa

Note: Literally "snake in the gut"; metaphorical extension for intense desire

See: Body Parts, Sacred Terms

etilsim [e.til.sim]

everything changes/transforms (with resignation)

etil-sim "thing-TRANS" → etilsim

Note: Expresses both inevitable transformation and resignation to it. Often used as response to change or loss.

Example: imerespes etilsim "sleep changes everything, whatever"

See: Abstract Concepts, Philosophical Terms

Sensory Terms

Visual Perception

lis [lis]

eye

Proto-Hick *lisu → lis

See: Body Parts, Sacred Terms

his [his]

see

reintroduced Proto-Hick *hisu "visible/in sight"

Note: Reintroduced to maintain distinction from demonstrative -is

See: Sacred Terms

'ilis [ʔi.lis]

knowledge

PH *lisu dialectal borrowing with animacy prefix

Note: Borrowed alongside hilis, shows stative/abstract development of perception root

Note: From root meaning 'sight', forms verb 'ilis'er "to know"

mulis [mu.lis]

dream, vision

Proto-Hick *muruhilisu → mulis

See: Sacred Terms, Abstract Concepts

hisimris [hi.sim.ris]

show

his-imris "sight-ELL" → hisimris

Note: Shows productive use of ellative case for causative meanings. Forms verb hisimris'er "to show". Contrasts with hilis'er "to look"

See: Perception Terms, Action Terms

Auditory Perception

kamer [ka.mer]

bird-like sound

ka-mer "like-bird" → kamer

compound fusion

kasak [ka.sak]

wolf-like howl

ka-sak "like-wolf" → kasak

compound fusion

pir [pir]

ear

Proto-Hick *piru → pir

See: Body Parts

pirlas [pir.las]

hearing

pir-las "ear-ILL" → pirlas

Note: Shows productive use of illative case for reception of sound

See: Body Parts, Case System

Olfactory Perception

kar [kar]

nose

Proto-Hick *karu → kar

See: Body Parts

Physical Sensation

takimris [ta.kim.ris]

to attack, to oppose

tak-imris "strike-ELL" → takimris

Note: Shows productive use of ellative case for outward-directed aggressive action. Contrasts with tak'er for simple striking. Forms compounds like takimrisok "attacker".

See: Action Terms, Conflict Terms

krantak [kran.tak]

physical pain

kran-tak "pierce-hit" → krantak

Note: Basic term for physical pain/hurt. Shows cultural distinction between physical and emotional pain. Forms verb siltak'er "to feel physical pain".

See: Body Parts, Physical States

Taste Perception

bel [bel]

mouth

Proto-Hick *belu → bel

See: Body Parts

bellas [bel.las]

taste (reception)

bel-las "mouth-ILL" → bellas

Note: Shows productive use of illative case for reception of taste

See: Body Parts, Case System

belimris [be.lim.ris]

taste (active)

bel-imris "mouth-ELL" → belimris

Note: Shows productive use of ellative case for active tasting

See: Body Parts, Case System

Sound Terms

tak [tak]

strike, impact; sound

touch, contact

Proto-Hick *taku → tak

Note: Onomatopoeic origin

See: Physical Actions

takutak [ˈta.ku.tək]

rhythm

Proto-Hick *takutaku → takutak

Note: Preserves onomatopoeic reduplication

See: Derived Terms

takimer [ˈta.ki.mɛr]

echo; sound spirit

taku "rhythm" + imer "spirit" → takimer

Note: Reflects early animistic understanding of sound phenomena

See: Spirit Terms

Vision & Perception Terms

Basic Terms

lis [lis]

eye

Proto-Hick *lisu → lis

See: Body Parts, Sacred Terms

his [his]

sight

Proto-Hick *hi-lisu → his

liquid deletion

See: Sacred Terms

mulis [mu.lis]

dream, vision

Proto-Hick *muruhilisu → mulis

See: Sacred Terms

Derived Terms

his'er [his.ʔer]

to see

his-'er "sight-ACT" → his'er

(verbalizer)

Taste Terms

Basic Tastes

mel [mel]

sweet

Proto-Hick *melu → mel

Note: Associated with ripeness and edibility

kras [kras]

bitter

Proto-Hick *krasu → kras

Note: Used for both taste and metaphorical bitterness

kaketh [ka.keθ]

salty

ka-keth "sea-like" → kaketh

Note: Literally "sea-like", shows maritime influence on taste terminology

See: Maritime Terms, Water Features

tir [tir]

sour; wince

Proto-Hick *tilmuru → tilru → tiru → tir

Note: Shows semantic connection between taste sensation and facial response

Derived Terms

melter [mel.ter]

honey

mel-ter "sweet-flow" → melter

Note: Literally "sweet flow", primary sweetener in Early Hick culture

krasim [kra.sim]

poison

kras-im "bitter-evil" → krasim

Note: Shows connection between bitter taste and danger

kakethmal [ka.keθ.mal]

brine pool

kaketh-mal "salty-pool" → kakethmal

See: Water Features

Intensity Terms

tormel [tor.mel]

very sweet

tor-mel "great-sweet" → tormel

limel [li.mel]

slightly sweet

li-mel "small-sweet" → limel

Usage Examples

mel'er [mel.ʔer]

to sweeten

mel-'er "sweet-VERB" → mel'er

kras'er [kras.ʔer]

to embitter

kras-'er "bitter-VERB" → kras'er

tir'er [tir.ʔer]

to wince; fermentation

tir-'er "sour/wince-VERB" → tir'er

Note: Shows connection between taste sensation and involuntary response, as well as the process of fermentation

See: Taste Terms, Bodily Functions, Process Terms

imtir [im.tir]

rot, decay

im-tir "NEG-ferment" → imtir

Note: Shows metaphorical extension of fermentation process to negative outcome. Forms verb imtir'er "to rot".

See: Process Terms, Food Terms

Food & Consumption Terms

Food Terms

du [du]

meat

Proto-Hick *duha → du

Note: Basic term for animal flesh as food. Forms compounds with other food terms

See: Body Parts for muscle/flesh meanings

duwes [du.wes]

food, nourishment

Proto-Hick *duha-wesu → duwes

(compound fusion, vowel loss)

Note: From *duha-wesu "meat-cover", showing development:

1. Compound: *duha-wesu "meat-cover"

2. Fusion: *duhawesu > *duwesu

3. Final: duwes with extended meaning "food"

Note: Forms verb duwes'er "to eat"

Examples:

• duwes'er "to eat" (with verbalizer -'er)

• duwesimris "from food, because of food" (with ellative case)

• kaduwes "edible" (with adjectival ka-)

mil [mil]

tallow, animal fat

PH melu "liquid"

Note: Shows semantic narrowing from general liquid to specifically rendered animal fat used in food preparation and preservation

See: Body Parts

imtirlis [im.tir.lis]

mushroom

imtir-lis "rot-fruit" → imtirlis

Note: Shows cultural understanding of mushrooms as fruits of decay. Forms compounds for edible vs poisonous varieties.

See: Flora Terms, Food Terms

Drink Terms

tirai [ti.rai]

fermented drink

tir-ai "sour-water" → tirai

Note: Shows cultural knowledge of fermentation process

See: Taste Terms

melterai [mel.te.rai]

mead

melter-ai "honey-water" → melterai

Note: Fermented honey drink

See: Food Terms

Preparation Terms

milai [mi.lai]

rendered fat, oil

mil-ai "fat-water"

Note: Shows parallel formation with tirai "fermented drink"

kirmil [kir.mil]

chest/organ fat

kir-mil "chest-fat"

Note: Prized internal fat used in cooking and preservation

palmil [pal.mil]

belly fat

pal-mil "belly-fat"

Note: Distinct type of fat used in specific food preparations

sulmil [sul.mil]

liver fat

sul-mil "liver-fat"

Note: Highly valued fat deposit, often preserved for medicinal or ritual use

Derived Compounds

milai [mi.lai]

rendered fat, oil

mil-ai "fat-water"

Note: Shows parallel formation with tirai "fermented drink"

terok [te.rok]

drinker; drunkard

ter-ok "flow-AGENT" → terok

(agentive suffix)

Note: One who drinks (professionally or habitually)

duwesok [du.we.sok]

eater, consumer

duwes-ok "eat-AGENT" → duwesok

(agentive marking)

torduwes [tor.du.wes]

feast, great eating

tor-duwes "great-eat" → torduwes

duwester [du.wes.ter]

meal time

duwes-ter "eat-flow" → duwester

duwesthral [du.wes.θral]

ritual feast

duwes-thral "eat-sacred" → duwesthral

duwesimris [du.we.sim.ris]

feed

duwes-imris "food-ELL" → duwesimris

Note: Derived from "duwes" (food) with the ellative case, indicating the act of providing food

murduwes [mur.du.wes]

leftovers

mur-duwes "night-eat" → murduwes

Note: Refers to food set aside for fermentation or preservation, metaphorically described as "night-eat," reflecting the practice of using surplus for future consumption

kaduwes [ka.du.wes]

edible

ka-duwes "like-food" → kaduwes

Note: General term for anything that can be eaten. Shows productive use of ka- prefix for potential/capability

tir'er [tir.ʔer]

to wince; fermentation

tir-'er "sour/wince-VERB" → tir'er

Note: Shows connection between taste sensation and involuntary response, as well as the process of fermentation

See: Taste Terms, Bodily Functions, Process Terms

Natural World

Elements

ai [ai]

water

Proto-Hick *ahi → ai

(vowel sequences)

See: Maritime Terms, Water Features

gral [gral]

earth, soil

Proto-Hick *gralu → gral

See: Landscape Terms

kel [kel]

sky

Proto-Hick *kelu → kel

See: Time Terms, Colors

thir [θir]

air, wind

Proto-Hick *haru → thir

See: Colors

al [al]

natural rock

Proto-Hick *xalu → halu → al

gar [gar]

stone, hardness

Proto-Hick *garu → gar

Note: Basic term for stone extends to abstract hardness. Forms gal "man" through metaphorical extension ("hard person").

See: Landscape Terms, Person Terms

gral [gral]

earth, soil

Proto-Hick *gralu → gral

bris [bris]

heat

Proto-Hick *brisu → bris

Note: Basic term for heat/warmth

See: Elements

brises [bri.ses]

light, illumination

discover, explore

Proto-Hick *brisu-wesu "heat-enclose" → brises

Note: Shows metaphorical extension of "embraced heat" to light/illumination. Forms verb brises'er "to shine", further extended of illumination to discovery and exploration

See: Natural Terms, Sacred Terms

dup [dup]

pearl; lump, mass

Proto-Hick *dupu "pearl" → dup

(final vowel loss)

Note: Shows semantic extension from "pearl" to general "rounded mass"

See: Body Parts, Medical Terms

Derived Terms

'ibris [ʔi.bris]

fire

Proto-Hick *hi-brisu → 'ibris

Note: Shows archaic animacy marking through glottal prefix, reflecting cultural view of fire as animate force

See: Sacred Terms, Elements

kagar [ka.gar]

hard

ka-gar "stone-like" → kagar

Note: From metaphorical extension of stone

See: Material Terms

Water Features

keth [keθ]

sea

Proto-Hick *keθu → keθ

See: Maritime Terms

mal [mal]

pool, standing water

Proto-Hick *malu → mal

See: Maritime Terms

ran [ran]

stream, flowing water

Proto-Hick *ranu → ran

See: Maritime Terms

bram [bram]

tide, tidal water

Proto-Hick *bramu → bram

See: Maritime Terms, Time Terms

bramal [bra.mal]

tidal pool

bram-mal "tide-pool" → bramal

See: Maritime Terms

toran [to.ran]

river, flowing water

Proto-Hick *ranu → ran

Watel Features

bramulis [bra.mu.lis]

vortex, whirlpool

bram-ul-lis "tide-POSS-eye" → bramulis

Note: Literally "tide's eye". Shows coda simplification where final -l of bramul merges with initial l- of lis.

See: Maritime Terms, Water Features

Landforms

tor [tor]

height, peak

Proto-Hick *toru → tor

See: Augmentative Prefix

thrantor [θran.tor]

mountain range

thran-tor "thousand peaks" → thrantor

val [val]

valley, water-cut lowland

Proto-Hick *valu → val

nagral [na.gral]

black earth

nal-gral "black-earth" → nagral

thragral [θra.gral]

sacred earth

thral-gral "sacred-earth" → thragral

See: Garden Terms

kirtor [kir.tor]

cliff face

kir-tor "chest-height" → kirtor

dortor [dor.tor]

back slope

dor-tor "back-height" → dortor

palmal [pal.mal]

deep pool

pal-mal "belly-pool" → palmal

thalgral [θal.gral]

hillside

thal-gral "side-earth" → thalgral

grasgral [gras.gral]

meadow, grassland

gras-gral "grass-earth" → grasgral

Note: Shows productive compound formation pattern of flora + landform

See: Flora & Agriculture, Agricultural Terms

'irurbel [ʔi.rur.bel]

cave, cave entrance

'irur-bel "hollow-mouth" → 'irurbel

Note: Basic term for cave openings. Shows common metaphorical extension of "mouth" to mean entrance/opening. Forms compounds for specific types of caves.

See: Landforms, Body Parts

parduwes [par.du.wes]

cavern, cave network

grapar-duwes "worm-consume" → parduwes

Note: Literally "worm-eaten," reflecting folk belief about cave formation through the action of great worms eating through mountains. Contrasts with 'irurbel for single caves.

See: Landforms, Mythological Terms

dupgral [dup.gral]

hills, hilly terrain

dup-gral "lump-land" → dupgral

Note: Shows typical landform compound formation. Contrasts with tor "peak" and gral "flat land".

See: Landforms

airur [ai.rur]

karst, water-carved limestone terrain

ai-'irur "water-hollow" → airur

(compound fusion, glottal stop loss)

Note: Shows water-landform compound pattern. Describes regions shaped by water erosion, especially limestone areas with caves and sinkholes.

See: Landforms, Water Features

Precipitation

aitar [ai.tar]

rain

ai-tar "water-fall" → aitar

bramis [bra.mis]

sea mist, coastal fog

bram-mis "tide-mist" → bramis

miraitar [mi.rai.tar]

cold rain

mir-aitar "cold-rain" → miraitar

ken [ken]

snow

< PH *kenu

Forms compounds: torken "snow-peak", kengar "glacier"

Note: Basic term for snow, showing typical development from PH with final vowel loss. Common in mountain-related terminology.

See: Weather Terms, Landscape Terms

Flora & Agriculture

Basic Plant Terms

ris [ris]

reed

Proto-Hick *risu → ris

wud [wud]

wood, tree

Proto-Hick *wudu → wud

gras [gras]

grass

Proto-Hick *grasu → gras

sed [sed]

seed

Proto-Hick *sedu → sed

sar [sar]

leaf

Proto-Hick *saru → sar

Note: Also means "green" from leaf association

bran [bran]

branch

Proto-Hick *bahu lu-haranu → bran

Note: Preserved compound with ablative lu- marking

wen [wen]

flower

Proto-Hick *venu -> wenu → wen

asa [a.sa]

vine

Proto-Hick *hasa → asa

See: Flora & Agriculture

branlis [bran.lis]

tree berries; fruit

bran-lis "branch-child" → branlis

Note: Metaphorical extension of "child" to "berries" and "fruit," reflecting cultural view of trees as nurturing figures

'irurlis [ʔi.rur.lis]

gourd; container

'irur-lis "hollow-fruit" → 'irurlis

Note: Combines the concepts of hollowness and fruit, reflecting the physical characteristics of gourds

saresp [sa.resp]

sprout

sar-esp "leaf-under" → saresp

Note: Metaphorical extension of hidden leaf beneath; reflects cultural view of growth as emergence from concealment. Forms verb saresp'er "to sprout"

See: Flora & Agriculture

imtirlis [im.tir.lis]

mushroom

imtir-lis "rot-fruit" → imtirlis

Note: Shows cultural understanding of mushrooms as fruits of decay. Forms compounds for edible vs poisonous varieties.

See: Flora Terms, Food Terms

Cultivated Plants

grased [ˈgra.sed]

grain

gras-sed "grass-seed" → grased

malris [ˈmal.ris]

water reed

mal-ris "pool-reed" → malris

ranris [ˈran.ris]

river reed

ran-ris "stream-reed" → ranris

thirwud [ˈθir.wud]

white wood

thir-wud "white-wood" → thirwud

marwud [mar.wud]

red wood

mar-wud "red-wood" → marwud

asamwen [a.sam.wen]

daffodil

asam-wen "rest-flower" → asamwen

Note: Named for characteristic drooping posture of flower head. Forms compounds for specific varieties and seasonal references.

See: Flora Terms, Spring Terms

Agricultural Terms

sedgral [sed.gral]

field

sed-gral "seed-earth" → sedgral

sedter [sed.ter]

planting time

sed-ter "seed-flow" → sedter

granmal [gran.mal]

grain storage

gran-mal "grain-pool" → granmal

sedok [se.dok]

planter, farmer

sed-ok "seed-AGENT" → sedok

graswad [gras.wad]

pasture path

gras-wad "grass-path" → graswad

'ibri ['ib.ri]

excrement, manure

Proto-Hick *'ibari → 'ibri

(vowel loss)

Note: Basic term for excrement. Forms compounds for agricultural uses.

See:

Basic Terms, Agricultural Terms

Garden Terms

thragral [θra.gral]

garden

thral-gral "sacred-earth" → thragral

See: Landforms

Note: The dual meaning reflects the sacred nature of cultivated land in Hick culture, where gardens were seen as sanctified spaces

kelwud [kel.wud]

orchard

kel-wud "leaf-wood" → kelwud

riswad [ris.wad]

garden path

ris-wad "reed-path" → riswad

sedthral [sed.θral]

planting day

sed-thral "seed-sacred" → sedthral

Horticulture Terms

wudgral [wud.gral]

orchard

wud-thragral "wood-garden" → compound simplification → wudgral

Note: Shows connection between sacred garden and orchard

Derived Terms

kabran [ka.bran]

crooked, leaning

ka-bran "branch-like" → kabran

Note: From metaphorical extension of branch growth patterns. Forms common expression kabran 'irek'er "to lean" (lit. "stand crookedly").

See: Position/Stance Actions

Sacred & Ritual

Basic Terms

tharala [θa.ra.la]

deity

Proto-Hick *harala "deity" → tharala

Note: Religious term showing resistance to regular sound changes (only ha- → tha-). Preserved in formal/sacred register.

See: Sacred Terms, Religious Terms

thral [θral]

day; sacred, ritual

Proto-Hick *harala → thral

Note: Resists vowel reduction in compounds

See: Time Terms

thren [θren]

watch, observe (ritual)

Proto-Hick *threnu → thren

Note: Maintains [e] in unstressed positions

wad [wad]

path, way

Proto-Hick *wadu → wad

See: Maritime Terms

ward [ward]

direct, guide

Proto-Hick *wardu → ward

See: Maritime Terms

thimer [θi.mer]

spiritual nurturing

Proto-Hick *ha-meru → thimer

(vowel reduction, stress shift)

See: Bird Terms, Kinship Terms

Note: Preserves original nurturing sense in sacred context

mer [mer]

bird; parent

Proto-Hick *meru "nurture, bird" → mer

Note: Dual meaning reflects cultural connection between birds and parenting

See: Bird Terms, Kinship Terms

imthral [im.θral]

evil deity

im-thral "evil-sacred" → imthral

(compound fusion, maintains second element due to sacred term)

See: Sacred Terms

imurthral [i.mur.θral]

cursed day/time

imur-thral "evil.force-sacred" → imurthral

(compound fusion, maintains second element due to sacred term)

See: Time Terms

mulis [mu.lis]

dream, vision

Proto-Hick *muruhilisu → mulis

(compound reduction, final vowel loss)

See: Sacred Terms

Time & Light

mur [mur]

night, darkness

Proto-Hick *muru → mur

See: Bird Terms

thur [θur]

dusk

Proto-Hick *thuru → thur

bran [bran]

dawn; beginning, start

Proto-Hick *branu → bran

thrakel [θra.kel]

sun

thral-kel "sacred-sky" → thrakel

murkel [mur.kel]

night sky

mur-kel "night-sky" → murkel

thurkel [θur.kel]

evening sky

thur-kel "dusk-sky" → thurkel

brakel [bra.kel]

morning sky

bran-kel "dawn-sky" → brakel

Derived Terms

kathrakel [ka.θra.kel]

radiant, beautiful; color

ka-thrakel "sun-like" → kathrakel

Note: From metaphorical extension of thrakel "sun". Shows cultural association between beauty and radiance.

See: Sacred Terms, Abstract Concepts

Material Culture

Metals

ger [ger]

metal

Early Hick kurger "moss-stone" < Proto-Hick *kuru-garu

Note: Generalized from copper compound after kur specialized. Shows semantic shift from natural observation (green patina on stones) to material category

kur [kur]

copper

Early Hick kurger "moss-stone" < Proto-Hick *kuru-garu

Note: Specialized from first element of copper compound. Original meaning "moss" preserved in inland dialects

ir [ir]

iron

Proto-Hick *xiru "mined ore" → ir

Note: Basic term for iron, shows early mining culture

tin [tin]

tin

Proto-Hick *tinu → tin

kurtin [kur.tin]

bronze

kur-tin "copper-tin" → kurtin

mar [mar]

rust, red metal

Proto-Hick *maru → mar

See: Colors

grakur [gra.kur]

grey copper

gra-kur "grey-copper" → grakur

'ihir [ʔi.hir]

to mine (for ore)

Proto-Hick *heru lu xiru → 'ihir

Note: Literally "move through ore", shows development of specialized mining terminology

brismal [bris.mal]

forge

bris-mal "heat-pool" → brismal

Note: Native term for forge.

See: Tool Terms

tamin [ta.min]

forge, smithy

Quenya tamin "forge" → tamin

(borrowed term)

Note: Direct borrowing of Eldrim technical term.

See: Tool Terms

Minerals

togar [to.gar], toriger [to.ri.ger]

limestone, mountain rock

tor-gar "mountain-bone/rock" → togar

PH tor + PHgaru "mountain-bone/rock" → toriger

Note: Shows semantic extension from visual similarity between bone and limestone. The term gar "bone/rock" likely originated in limestone-rich western regions where the material's resemblance to bone was particularly noticeable.

See: Landscape Terms, Material Terms

asatogar [a.sa.to.gar]

travertine (lit. "vine limestone")

asa-togar "vine-limestone" → asatogar

Note: Named for its flowing, vine-like mineral formations.

See: Material Terms, Natural World

krakiger [krak.i.ger]

flint, chert

< PH *kraku "tooth" +*garu "rock"

Compound with epenthetic -i-

Note: Names the material for its sharp, tooth-like qualities, following a common cross-linguistic pattern for naming this stone type

See: Material Terms

Container Terms

'irurlis [ʔi.rur.lis]

gourd; container

'irur-lis "hollow-fruit" → 'irurlis

Note: Combines the concepts of hollowness and fruit, reflecting the physical characteristics of gourds

'irai [ʔi.rai]

waterskin; liquid container

'irurlis-ai "container-water" → 'irai

Note: Shows extreme compound reduction preserving initial and final elements. Forms compounds for specific liquid containers. Contrasts with 'irurlis for general containers.

See: Container Terms, Material Culture

Geographical Terms

asamgral [a.sam.gral]

flatlands, plains

asam-gral "lie-land" → asamgral

Note: Shows metaphorical extension from "lying" position to flat terrain. Contrasts with torgral "highlands".

See: Landscape Terms, Geographic Terms

'ibrigral [ʔib.ri.gral]

farmlands, cultivated fields

'ibri-gral "manure-land" → 'ibrigral

Note: Shows development from fertilization practice to general agricultural land. Contrasts with wild gral.

See: Agricultural Terms, Landscape Terms

Maritime Terms

mater [ma.ter]

vessel, boat

Proto-Hick *mataru-heru → mater

Note: From "vehicle-action", specialized for water transport. Unrelated to tre/matre despite similar form.

See: Maritime Terms

materok [ma.te.rok]

vessel-guide, boatman

mater-ok "vessel-AGENT" → materok

See: Agentive Suffix

rismater [ris.ma.ter]

reed-vessel

ris-mater "reed-vessel" → rismater

wudmater [wud.ma.ter]

wood-vessel

wud-mater "wood-vessel" → wudmater

brammater [bram.ma.ter]

river-vessel

bram-mater "tide-vessel" → brammater

kethmater [keθ.ma.ter]

sea-vessel

keth-mater "sea-vessel" → kethmater

Example: materok-el rismater-im-ris keth-es ward-ter boatman-ERG reed.vessel-PROX-ELL sea-ABS direct-to "The boatman takes the reed boat to sea"

bramulis [bra.mu.lis]

vortex, whirlpool

bram-ul-lis "tide-POSS-eye" → bramulis

Note: Literally "tide's eye". Shows coda simplification where final -l of bramul merges with initial l- of lis.

See: Maritime Terms, Water Features

matir [ma.tir]

(of vessels) to move through water, travel by water

mater-'ir "vessel-motion" → matir

Note: General term for water vessel movement, neutral regarding means of propulsion. Contrasts with specific terms for sailing, rowing, etc. Forms basis for maritime motion compounds.

See: Maritime Terms, Motion Terms

rantirduok [ran.tir.du.ok]

pirate, maritime raider

ran-imtirduok "river-scavenger" → rantirduok

Note: Originally "river raider", extended to all maritime thieves. Shows compound reduction of imtirduok.

See: Maritime Terms, Professional Terms

rantirdu [ran.tir.du]

piracy, maritime raiding

Reanalyzed from rantirduok without agentive -ok

Note: Shows productive back-formation pattern creating abstract nouns from agent terms. Forms verb rantirdu'er "to engage in piracy".

See: Maritime Terms, Criminal Terms

Tool Terms

kasger [kas.ger]

obsidian, glass

mirror (esp. polished stone mirror)

kasu-garu "reflection-stone" → kasger

Note: Basic term for reflective stone, especially obsidian. Extended to all glass materials. Shows technological origin in polished stone mirrors and natural volcanic glass. Forms compounds for different types of glass/mirrors.

See: Tool Terms, Stone Terms

gasam [ga.sam]

grinding

gar "rock" + SUBE -asam "under" → gasam

Note: Literally "under rock," referring to the action of grinding. Forms the base for specialized grinding terms.

asamgasam [a.sam.ga.sam]

flattening (initial grinding)

asamitar "rest" + gasam "grinding" → asamgasam

Note: Literally "rest grinding," referring to the initial flattening process.

See: Tool Terms

aigasam [ai.ga.sam]

wet grinding

ai "water" + gasam "grinding" → aigasam

Note: Literally "water grinding," referring to the use of water in the smoothing process.

See: Tool Terms

kasgasam [kas.ga.sam]

lapping (final polishing)

kasger "mirror" + gasam "grinding" → kasgasam

Note: Literally "mirror grinding," referring to the final polishing stage to achieve a reflective surface.

See: Tool Terms

Cultural Terms

'iruretil [ʔi.ru.re.til]

gift

'irur-etil "hollow-thing" → 'iruretil

Note: Shows cultural link between containers and proper gifts. Always inanimate.

See: Material Culture

Flora & Fauna

Basic Terms

ris [ris]

reed

Proto-Hick *risu → ris

wud [wud]

wood, tree

Proto-Hick *wudu → wud

gras [gras]

grass

Proto-Hick *grasu → gras

sed [sed]

seed

Proto-Hick *sedu → sed

kel [kel]

leaf

Proto-Hick *kelu → kel

bran [bran]

branch

Proto-Hick *bahu lu-haranu → bran

(lit. "split from father")

Note: Preserved compound with ablative lu- marking

asa [a.sa]

vine

Proto-Hick *hasa → asa

See: Flora & Agriculture

branlis [bran.lis]

tree berries; fruit

bran-lis "branch-child" → branlis

Note: Metaphorical extension of "child" to "berries" and "fruit," reflecting cultural view of trees as nurturing figures

'irurlis [ʔi.rur.lis]

gourd; container

'irur-lis "hollow-fruit" → 'irurlis

Note: Combines the concepts of hollowness and fruit, reflecting the physical characteristics of gourds

saresp [sa.resp]

sprout

sar-esp "leaf-under" → saresp

Note: Metaphorical extension of hidden leaf beneath; reflects cultural view of growth as emergence from concealment. Forms verb saresp'er "to sprout"

See: Flora & Agriculture

Cultivated Plants

grased [ˈgra.sed]

grain

gras-sed "grass-seed" → grased

malris [ˈmal.ris]

water reed

mal-ris "pool-reed" → malris

ranris [ˈran.ris]

river reed

ran-ris "stream-reed" → ranris

thirwud [ˈθir.wud]

white wood

thir-wud "white-wood" → thirwud

marwud [mar.wud]

red wood

mar-wud "red-wood" → marwud

Agricultural Terms

sedgral [sed.gral]

field

sed-gral "seed-earth" → sedgral

sedter [sed.ter]

planting time

sed-ter "seed-flow" → sedter

granmal [gran.mal]

grain storage

gran-mal "grain-pool" → granmal

sedok [se.dok]

planter, farmer

sed-ok "seed-AGENT" → sedok

graswad [gras.wad]

pasture path

gras-wad "grass-path" → graswad

'ibri ['ib.ri]

excrement, manure

Proto-Hick *'ibari → 'ibri

(vowel loss)

Note: Basic term for excrement. Forms compounds for agricultural uses.

See:

Basic Terms, Agricultural Terms

Garden Terms

thragral [θra.gral]

garden

thral-gral "sacred-earth" → thragral

See: Landforms

Note: The dual meaning reflects the sacred nature of cultivated land in Hick culture, where gardens were seen as sanctified spaces

kelwud [kel.wud]

orchard

kel-wud "leaf-wood" → kelwud

riswad [ris.wad]

garden path

ris-wad "reed-path" → riswad

sedthral [sed.θral]

planting day

sed-thral "seed-sacred" → sedthral

Horticulture Terms

wudgral [wud.gral]

orchard

wud-thragral "wood-garden" → compound simplification → wudgral

Note: Shows connection between sacred garden and orchard

Animal Terms

aniko [a.ni.ko]

animal (general term)

Proto-Hick *xani-kostu → aniko

Note: Literally "four-legged". Shows semantic extension from descriptive compound to general term.

See: Animal Terms, Basic Terms

imtirduok [im.tir.du.ok]

scavenger

imtirdu-ok "cadaver-AGENT" → imtirduok

Note: Shows formation pattern of "carrion-eater" common across languages. Applies to both animals and birds.

See: Animal Terms

rek [rek]

bark (of dog/wolf)

Proto-Hick *reku → rek

Note: Onomatopoeic origin. Forms verb rek'er "to bark". Common in compounds describing different types of barks/calls.

See: Sound Terms, Animal Terms

Animals

nes [nes]

fish

Proto-Hick *nesu → nes

See: Maritime Terms

mer [mer]

bird

Proto-Hick *meru → mer

Note: Cultural connection between birds and parenting roles

See: Sacred Terms, Kinship Terms

pel [pel]

bear

Proto-Hick *pelu → pel

Note: Maintains [e] in compounds

sak [sak]

wolf

Proto-Hick *saku → sak

ren [ren]

deer

Proto-Hick *renu → ren

toren [to.ren]

horse

tor-ren "great-deer" → toren

Note: Shows semantic extension through size metaphor

See: Animal Terms

belnes [bel.nes]

mouthed fish

bel-nes "mouth-fish" → belnes

kranren [kran.ren]

horned deer

kran-ren "horn-deer" → kranren

venmer [ven.mer]

wing bird

ven-mer "wing-bird" → venmer

silpel [sil.pel]

hide bear

sil-pel "hide-bear" → silpel

thirpel [θir.pel]

fur-bear

thir-pel "fur-bear" → thirpel

lisbel [lis.bel]

face

lis-bel "eye-mouth" → lisbel

thirren [θir.ren]

winter coat deer

thir-ren "fur-deer" → thirren

kirpel [kir.pel]

rearing bear

kir-pel "chest-bear" → kirpel

dorren [dor.ren]

pack deer

dor-ren "back-deer" → dorren

tornes ['tor.nes]

whale

tor-nes "great-fish" → tornes

Note: Resists reduction due to sacred associations

tomur ['to.mur]

great owl

tor-mur-mer → tomur

Note: Shows liquid deletion and vowel reduction

ketnes [ket.nes]

sea fish

keth-nes "sea-fish" → ketnes

ranes [ra.nes]

river fish

ran-nes "stream-fish" → ranes

malnes [mal.nes]

pool fish

mal-nes "pool-fish" → malnes

kor [kor]

cow

Old Iutlandish kor

Note: Early borrowing showing cultural contact with Iutlandish herders

See: Animal Terms

sumerok [su.me.rok]

goat

gras-'imer-ok "grass-life-AGENT" → sumerok

Note: Shows compound reduction and metaphorical extension through agentive marking

See: Animal Terms, Consumption Terms

dak [dak]

snake

Proto-Hick *daluku → dak

Note: From root meaning "slither", forms verb dak'er "to slither"

torba [tor.ba]

goat

tor-ba "mountain-father" → torba

Note: Shows metaphorical extension linking goats to mountains and paternal authority

See: Landforms, Kinship Terms, Pastoral Terms

grapar [gra.par]

earthworm

gral-par "earth-crawl" → grapar

(liquid deletion)

Note: Shows descriptive compound formation based on movement. Contrasts with other crawling creatures.

See: Animals, Earth Terms lik [lik]

dragon

< Eldrim lyg "dragon, snake, drake"

(loanword)

Note: Early borrowing from Eldrim, showing cultural contact and mythological influence. Narrowed from general serpentine being to specific dragon concept.

See: Mythological Terms, Borrowed Terms

vinusak [vi.nu.sak]

dog, domesticated wolf

vinud-sak "home-wolf" → vinusak

Note: Shows cultural understanding of dogs as domesticated wolves. Forms compounds for specific dog types/roles. Contrasts with sak for wild wolves.

See: Animal Terms, Domestic Terms

Bird Terms (Nocturnal)

murmer [mur.mer]

night-bird, owl

Proto-Hick *muru-meru "night-bird" → mur-mer

tomur [to.mur]

great owl, eagle owl

Proto-Hick *toru-muru-meru "great-night-bird" → tor-mur-mer

→ tor-mur

→ tomur

thurmur [θur.mur]

dusk owl

Proto-Hick *thuru-muru-meru "dusk-night-bird" → thur-mur-mer

→ thurmur

limur [li.mur]

small night-bird, small owl

Proto-Hick *li-muru-meru "small-night-bird" → li-mur-mer

→ limur

murlis [mur.lis]

night-eye

mur-lis "night-eye" → murlis

murkran [mur.kran]

night-horn

mur-kran "night-horn" → murkran

Derived Terms

kabran [ka.bran]

crooked, leaning

ka-bran "branch-like" → kabran

Note: From metaphorical extension of branch growth patterns. Forms common expression kabran 'irek'er "to lean" (lit. "stand crookedly").

See: Position/Stance Actions

Sacred & Ritual

Basic Terms

tharala [θa.ra.la]

deity

Proto-Hick *harala "deity" → tharala

Note: Religious term showing resistance to regular sound changes (only ha- → tha-). Preserved in formal/sacred register.

See: Sacred Terms, Religious Terms

thral [θral]

day; sacred, ritual

Proto-Hick *harala → thral

Note: Resists vowel reduction in compounds

See: Time Terms

thren [θren]

watch, observe (ritual)

Proto-Hick *threnu → thren

Note: Maintains [e] in unstressed positions

wad [wad]

path, way

Proto-Hick *wadu → wad

See: Maritime Terms

ward [ward]

direct, guide

Proto-Hick *wardu → ward

See: Maritime Terms

thimer [θi.mer]

spiritual nurturing

Proto-Hick *ha-meru → thimer

(vowel reduction, stress shift)

See: Bird Terms, Kinship Terms

Note: Preserves original nurturing sense in sacred context

mer [mer]

bird; parent

Proto-Hick *meru "nurture, bird" → mer

Note: Dual meaning reflects cultural connection between birds and parenting

See: Bird Terms, Kinship Terms

imthral [im.θral]

evil deity

im-thral "evil-sacred" → imthral

(compound fusion, maintains second element due to sacred term)

See: Sacred Terms

imurthral [i.mur.θral]

cursed day/time

imur-thral "evil.force-sacred" → imurthral

(compound fusion, maintains second element due to sacred term)

See: Time Terms

mulis [mu.lis]

dream, vision

Proto-Hick *muruhilisu → mulis

(compound reduction, final vowel loss)

See: Sacred Terms

Time & Light

mur [mur]

night, darkness

Proto-Hick *muru → mur

See: Bird Terms

thur [θur]

dusk

Proto-Hick *thuru → thur

bran [bran]

dawn

Proto-Hick *branu → bran

thrakel [θra.kel]

sun

thral-kel "sacred-sky" → thrakel

murkel [mur.kel]

night sky

mur-kel "night-sky" → murkel

thurkel [θur.kel]

evening sky

thur-kel "dusk-sky" → thurkel

brakel [bra.kel]

morning sky

bran-kel "dawn-sky" → brakel

Derived Terms

kathrakel [ka.θra.kel]

radiant, beautiful; color

ka-thrakel "sun-like" → kathrakel

Note: From metaphorical extension of thrakel "sun". Shows cultural association between beauty and radiance.

See: Sacred Terms, Abstract Concepts

Material Culture

Metals

ger [ger]

metal

Early Hick kurger "moss-stone" < Proto-Hick *kuru-garu

Note: Generalized from copper compound after kur specialized. Shows semantic shift from natural observation (green patina on stones) to material category

kur [kur]

copper

Early Hick kurger "moss-stone" < Proto-Hick *kuru-garu

Note: Specialized from first element of copper compound. Original meaning "moss" preserved in inland dialects

ir [ir]

iron

Proto-Hick *xiru "mined ore" → ir

Note: Basic term for iron, shows early mining culture

tin [tin]

tin

Proto-Hick *tinu → tin

kurtin [kur.tin]

bronze

kur-tin "copper-tin" → kurtin

mar [mar]

rust, red metal

Proto-Hick *maru → mar

See: Colors

grakur [gra.kur]

grey copper

gra-kur "grey-copper" → grakur

'ihir [ʔi.hir]

to mine (for ore)

Proto-Hick *heru lu xiru → 'ihir

Note: Literally "move through ore", shows development of specialized mining terminology

brismal [bris.mal]

forge

bris-mal "heat-pool" → brismal

Note: Native term for forge.

See: Tool Terms

tamin [ta.min]

forge, smithy

Quenya tamin "forge" → tamin

(borrowed term)

Note: Direct borrowing of Eldrim technical term.

See: Tool Terms

Maritime Terms

mater [ma.ter]

vessel, boat

Proto-Hick *mataru-heru → mater

Note: From "vehicle-action", specialized for water transport. Unrelated to tre/matre despite similar form.

See: Maritime Terms

materok [ma.te.rok]

vessel-guide, boatman

mater-ok "vessel-AGENT" → materok

See: Agentive Suffix

rismater [ris.ma.ter]

reed-vessel

ris-mater "reed-vessel" → rismater

wudmater [wud.ma.ter]

wood-vessel

wud-mater "wood-vessel" → wudmater

brammater [bram.ma.ter]

river-vessel

bram-mater "tide-vessel" → brammater

kethmater [keθ.ma.ter]

sea-vessel

keth-mater "sea-vessel" → kethmater

Example: materok-el rismater-im-ris keth-es ward-ter boatman-ERG reed.vessel-PROX-ELL sea-ABS direct-to "The boatman takes the reed boat to sea"

Cultural Terms

'iruretil [ʔi.ru.re.til]

gift

'irur-etil "hollow-thing" → 'iruretil

Note: Shows cultural link between containers and proper gifts. Always inanimate.

See: Material Culture

Equestrian Terms

• rok [rok] "horse" < Sindarin roch → rok (borrowed term) Note: Shows elvish introduction of horses

  See: Animal Terms

• norath [no.raθ] "to ride (a mount)" < Eldrim nortʰa "to make run" → norath (borrowed term) Note: Early borrowing from Eldrim, shows cultural contact predating widespread horse domestication.

  See: Animal Terms, Motion Actions

Colors

With context, the word itself would be enough to mean the color, however to disambiguate from other meanings, the Similarity Prefix ka- is used.

Some color terms do not have other semantic categories, for example 'gra' lost other meanings by Early Hick, this ka- is unnecessary.

gra [gra]

grey

Proto-Hick *grau → gra

(vowel sequences)

See: Metals

mar [mar]

red

Proto-Hick *maru → mar

See: Metals

kel [kel]

blue

Proto-Hick *kelu → kel

Same as "sky"

See: Elements

thir [θir]

white

Proto-Hick *haru → thir

Same as "air"

See: Elements

nal [nal]

black

Proto-Hick *nalu → nal

rak [rak]

yellow

Proto-Hick *raku

Note: Possible connection to *ʔaraku "light", but relationship unclear. Forms compounds for yellow shades.

See: Color Terms, Proto-Hick Roots

sar [sar]

leaf

Proto-Hick *saru → sar

Note: Also means "green" from leaf association

arak [a.rak]

color

< Proto-Hick *ʔaraku "light (animate)"

(final vowel loss)

Note: Shows semantic shift from animate light to color. Forms compounds for specific colors.

See: Color Terms, Visual Terms

Magical Terms

Basic Terms

kul [kul]

magic, sorcery

Eldrim *curu "skill; craft" → kul

See: Sacred Terms

Derived Terms

kulok [ku.lok]

sorcerer

kul-ok "magic-AGENT" → kulok

malthrenok [mal.θre.nok]

pool-watcher, diviner

mal-thren-ok "pool-watch-AGENT" → malthrenok

Note: One who divines through watching pools/water

See: Water Features, Sacred Terms

imurkulok [i.mur.ku.lok]

necromancer

imur-kul-ok "evil-magic-AGENT" → imurkulok

Note: Literally "evil magic worker"

See: Sacred Terms, Magical Terms

'imwen [ʔim.wen]

witch, evil woman

'im-wen'al "evil-woman" → 'imwen

(compound reduction)

Note: Pejorative term for female magic user. Shows gender bias in magical terminology. Contrasts with wenkulok.

See: Magic Terms, Gender Terms

wenkulok [wen.ku.lok]

sorceress

wen'al-kulok "woman-sorcerer" → wenkulok

(compound reduction)

Note: Neutral/respectful term for female magic user. Shows regularization of gender marking in professional terms.

See: Magic Terms, Professional Terms

Time & Celestial

Basic Terms

thral [θral]

sacred, ritual; day

Proto-Hick *thralu → thral

See: Sacred Terms

ter [ter]

flow, time

Proto-Hick *teru → ter

mur [mur]

night, darkness

Proto-Hick *muru → mur

See: Bird Terms

thur [θur]

dusk

Proto-Hick *thuru → thur

bran [bran]

dawn

Proto-Hick *branu → bran

takuter [ta.ku.ter]

harmony, attunement

3-ter "rhythm-flow" → takuter

Note: Shows reduction of reduplicated base through compound simplification

See: Basic Terms, Sacred Terms

'atelbran [ʔa.tel.bran]

before (when-dawn)

'aka-tel-bran → 'akatelbran → 'atelbran

Note: Shows temporal metaphor of dawn/past, derived from interrogative

See: Time Terms, Interrogatives

Time Terms

terlas [ter.las]

previous

ter-las "flow-ILL" → terlas

Note: Shows conceptualization of past as flow inward. Contrasts with terimris.

See: Time Terms, Motion Terms

terimris [te.rim.ris]

next

ter-imris "flow-ELL" → terimris

Note: Shows conceptualization of future as flow outward. Contrasts with terlas.

See: Time Terms, Motion Terms

eter [e.ter]

flow of things; correct ordering, sorting

etil-ter "things-flow" → eter

Note: Shows metaphorical extension of flow to proper arrangement. Forms verb eter'er "to sort, arrange".

See: Abstract Terms, Motion Terms

Celestial Bodies

thrakel [θra.kel]

sun

thral-kel "sacred-sky" → thrakel

murkel [mur.kel]

night sky

mur-kel "night-sky" → murkel

thurkel [θur.kel]

evening sky

thur-kel "dusk-sky" → thurkel

brakel [bra.kel]

morning sky

bran-kel "dawn-sky" → brakel

lithar [li.θar]

star

li-tharala "DIM-deity" → lithar

(compound simplification)

Note: Shows loss of -ala in compound. Stars conceptualized as lesser deities

See: Celestial Terms, Sacred Terms, Diminutive Formation

Body Parts

Basic Terms

bel [bel]

mouth, opening

Proto-Hick *belu → bel

See: Maritime Terms, Architecture

kan [kan]

head

Proto-Hick *kanu → kan

See: Sacred Terms

tel [tel]

tail, end

Proto-Hick *telu → tel

See: Landscape Terms

gar [gar]

bone

Proto-Hick *garu → gar

See: Landscape Terms, Sacred Terms

sil [sil]

skin, hide

Proto-Hick *silu → sil

ven [ven]

wing, fin

Proto-Hick *venu → ven

See: Maritime Terms, Bird Terms

kran [kran]

horn, spike

Proto-Hick *kranu → kran

See: Landscape Terms

mar [mar]

blood, life-fluid

Proto-Hick *maru → mar

See: Colors, Sacred Terms

ter [ter]

flow, fluid

Proto-Hick *teru → ter

See: Water Features, Maritime Terms

kost [kost]

foot

Proto-Hick *kostu → kost

See: Movement Terms

tag [tag]

hand

Proto-Hick *tagu → tag

Note: Forms verb tag'er "to make".

See: Basic Actions

mes [mes]

heart

Proto-Hick *melisu → mes

Note: Core term for emotional center, used in compounds for feelings

See: Body Parts, Sacred Terms

dak [dak]

stomach, gut

Proto-Hick *daluku → dak

See: Food & Consumption Terms

bedek [be.dek]

tongue

be-dak → bedek

Note: Literally "mouth-snake", metaphorical compound

pir [pir]

ear

Proto-Hick *piru → pir

Examples:

• pir'er [ˈpir.ʔer] "to listen" < pir-'er "ear-VERB"
• pirthral [ˈpir.θral] "ritual hearing" < pir-thral "ear-sacred" Note: Forms compounds relating to hearing and ritual attention

kar [kar]

nose

Proto-Hick *karu → kar

Note: Forms verb kar'er "to smell"

krak [krak]

tooth

Proto-Hick *kraku → krak

Note: Forms verb krak'er "to bite". See also: Initial Clusters

kun [kun]

knee

Proto-Hick *kunu → kun

Note: Used in compounds for joint terms

sul [sul]

liver

Proto-Hick *sulu → sul

kol [kol]

neck

Proto-Hick *kolu → kol

ret [ret]

arm

Proto-Hick *retu → ret

See: Body Parts

trask [trask]

leg

Proto-Hick *tarasaku → trask

See: Body Parts

wak [wak]

breast

Proto-Hick *waka → wak

See: Body Parts

wak'eth [wak.ʔeθ]

breastfeeding

waka-ethe "breast-ABL" → wak'eth

(compound formation, glottal stop insertion)

Note: Nominal form reanalyzed from ablative case

See: Body Parts, Basic Actions

wakat [wa.kat]

nipple

waka-xitu "breast-knot" → wakat

(compound formation, unstressed vowel reduction)

See: Body Parts

wak'ai [wak.ʔai]

milk

waka-ahi "breast-water" → wak'ai

(compound formation, vowel coalescence)

See: Body Parts, Food & Drink

kanmil [kan.mil]

brain

kan-mil "head-fat" Note: Reflects early anatomical understanding of brain tissue as a fatty substance

See: Food & Consumption Terms

sat [sat]

appendage; penis

Proto-Hick *satu → sat

Note: Basic term for appendages, with anatomical extension. Forms compounds for specific body parts.

See: Body Parts

krakrak [kra.krak]

fang

kran-krak "horn-tooth" → krakrak

(nasal deletion)

Note: Shows nasal deletion in compound. Contrasts with general term krak "tooth".

See: Body Parts, Animal Terms

imtirdu [im.tir.du]

rotting meat; cadaver

imtir-du "rot-meat" → imtirdu

Note: Shows semantic extension from rotting meat to cadaver. Contrasts with du for fresh meat.

See: Body Parts, Death Terms

Face Terms

lis [lis]

eye

Proto-Hick *lisu → lis

See: Sacred Terms, Bird Terms

thir [θir]

hair, fur

Proto-Hick \haru → thir

See: Colors, Animal Terms

sim [sim]

fine hair, lash

Proto-Hick *simu → sim

See: Plant Terms

bran [bran]

brow, ridge

Proto-Hick *branu → bran

Trunk Terms

kir [kir]

chest, front

Proto-Hick *esgiru → kir

See: Sacred Terms, Person Terms

dor [dor]

back, behind

Proto-Hick *doru → dor

See: Landscape Terms, Maritime Terms

pal [pal]

belly, center

Proto-Hick *palu → pal

See: Sacred Terms, Landscape Terms

thal [θal]

side, flank

Proto-Hick *thalu → thal

See: Landscape Terms

vinusam [vi.nu.sam]

shoulder

PH *vinu xasamu "yoke rest" Note: Names shoulder for its function as resting place for burdens

See: Body Parts

dorgar [dor.gər]

spine

dor-gar "back-bone" Note: Transparent descriptive compound

See: Body Parts

kir'irur [kir.ʔi.rur]

ribcage

kir-'irur "chest-container" Note: Conceptualizes ribcage as a container/basket, parallel to 'irurlis "gourd/container"

See: Food & Consumption Terms for 'irurlis

kirgar [kir.gər]

rib

kir-gar "chest-bone" Note: Single bone of the ribcage; plural makirgar for full set of ribs

See: Body Parts, kir'irur "ribcage"

brast [brast]

dominant arm

Proto-Hick *bara-satu "prominent-appendage" → brast (compound fusion) Note: Specifically refers to dominant arm, contrasting with ret "arm (general)". Forms verb brast'er "to reach". Cultural link to tak "right (direction)".

See: Body Parts

Internal

mar [mar]

blood, life-fluid

Proto-Hick *maru → mar

See: Colors, Sacred Terms, Metals

ter [ter]

flow, fluid

Proto-Hick *teru → ter

See: Water Features, Maritime Terms

mel [mel]

tallow, animal fat

PH melu "liquid" Note: Shows semantic narrowing from general liquid to specifically animal fat

See: Body Parts

kirmel [kir.mel]

chest/organ fat

kir-mel "chest-fat" Note: Distinguishes valuable internal fat deposits from other types

du [du]

meat

Proto-Hick *duha → du

Note: Basic term for animal flesh as food. Forms compounds with other food terms

See: Body Parts for muscle/flesh meanings

vinlas [vin.las]

fetus, unborn child

vin-las "pregnancy-ILL" → vinlas

Note: Shows lexicalization of illative case marking location within.

See: Person Terms, Body Parts

Derived Terms

kawak [ka.wak]

soft

ka-wak "breast-like" → kawak

Note: From metaphorical extension of wak "breast". Shows cultural association between softness and nurturing. Forms natural contrast with kagar "hard".

See: Body Parts, Abstract Concepts

Bodily Functions & States

Basic Terms

duwes [du.wes]

eat, consume

Proto-Hick *duha-wesu → duwes

See: Directional System

mulis [mu.lis]

dream, vision

Proto-Hick *muruhilisu → mulis

See: Sacred Terms, Abstract Concepts

hilis [hi.lis]

sight

Proto-Hick *hi-lisu → hilis

See: Body Parts

vin [vin]

pregnancy

Proto-Hick *venu "yoke" → vinu

Inland dialects use vinused < *venu-sedu "burden-seed"

See: Body Parts, Sacred Terms Note: From "burden-seed"; shows vowel harmony in compound reduction

See: Body Parts, Sacred Terms

imeresp [i.me.resp]

sleep

Proto-Hick *imer-esp → imeresp

Note: Shows metaphorical extension of breath/spirit sinking to indicate sleep

See: Spirit Terms, Body Parts

'ilibris'er [ʔi.li.bris.ʔer]

(euphemistic) to make love, have sexual intercourse

'ilibris-'er "passion-VERB" → 'ilibris'er

Note: Euphemistic term derived from 'ilibris "passion". Shows cultural preference for metaphors of warmth/fire in intimate contexts. Contrasts with more direct terms.

See: Body Parts, Sacred Terms

Derived Terms

vinuimris [vi.nu.im.ris]

to give birth

Proto-Hick *vinu-imris → vinuimris

(ellative case)

Note: Lexicalized from ellative case of "pregnancy"

See: Verbal Terms, Sacred Terms

murvinuiter [mur.vi.nu.i.ter]

abortion

murvinu-imris "stillbirth-ELL" → murvinuiter

(ellative case) Note: Uses ellative case to indicate "from/out of stillbirth"

See: Body Parts, Sacred Terms

pakupak [ˈpa.ku.pək]

tickle

Proto-Hick *pakupaku → pakupak

Note: Preserves onomatopoeic reduplication, shows unstressed vowel reduction

See: Basic Terms

gralimris [gra.lim.ris]

excrement

gral-imris "soil-ELL" → gralimris

Note: Formal/medical term derived from ellative case of "soil".

See: Medical Terms, Body Parts

murvinu [mur.vi.nu]

stillbirth

mur-vinu "night-pregnancy" → murvinu

Note: Uses mur- "darkness" metaphorically for death

See: Body Parts, Sacred Terms

mulislas [mu.lis.las]

dream-state

mulis-las → mulislas

(directional suffix)

mulisimris [mu.li.sim.ris]

awakening

mulis-imris → mulisimris

(directional suffix)

sinibel [si.ni.bel]

taste

sin-ibel "float-tongue" → sinibel

Note: Shows metaphorical extension of floating motion to sensory perception

See: Taste Terms, Body Parts

gralimris [gra.lim.ris]

excrement

gral-imris "soil-ELL" → gralimris

Note: Formal/medical term derived from ellative case of "soil".

See: Medical Terms, Body Parts

Speech Terms

Basic Terms

imbel [im.bel]

bad language, swear words

Proto-Hick *im-bel → imbel

Note: Shows metaphorical extension of "evil tongue" to refer to taboo speech.

See: Body Parts, Speech Terms

Taboo Terms

saw [saw]

shit

Eldrim saw "filth, putrescence" → saw

(borrowed term)

Note: Strong vulgar term, borrowed from Eldrim term of extreme disgust. Shows cultural intensification of borrowed insult.

See: Taboo Terms

Medical Terms

Illness Terms

imbris [im.bris]

fever, harmful heat

Proto-Hick *im-bris → imbris

Note: Shows productive use of im- prefix for negative conditions.

See: Medical Terms, Body States, Illness Terms

arsil [ar.sil]

open wound, cut

Proto-Hick *ar-sil → arsil

Note: Basic term for visible wounds. Forms verb arsil'er "to wound".

See: Medical Terms, Body Terms

dup [dup]

pearl; lump, mass; sphere

Proto-Hick *dupu "pearl" → dup

(final vowel loss)

Note: Shows semantic extension from "pearl" to general "rounded mass".

See: Body Parts, Medical Terms

Injury Terms

dudup [du.dup]

swollen muscle

Proto-Hick *du-dup → dudup

Note: Specific term for muscular swelling.

See: Body Parts

kandup [kan.dup]

head lump, bump on head

Proto-Hick *kan-dup → kandup

Note: Specific term for cranial swelling.

See: Medical Terms

Tool Terms

Weapon Terms

krakesi [kra.ke.si]

sword, long bladed weapon

krak-kasigaru "tooth-obsidian" → krakesi

Note: Originally referred to wooden paddle with obsidian teeth inserts. Extended to any long bladed weapon. Shows technological development from Proto-Hick period.

See: Weapon Terms, Tool Terms

brastak [bras.tak]

weapons, armaments

brast-tak "arm-strike" → brastak

Note: General term for weapons, literally "arm-strike". Shows metonymic extension from action to implements. Often used collectively for military equipment.

See: Weapon Terms, Military Terms

Architecture

Basic Terms

iskel [is.kel]

window

Proto-Hick *is-kel → iskel

iskelai [is.ke.lai]

window condensation

Proto-Hick *is-kel-ai → iskelai

asad [a.sad]

bridge

Proto-Hick *hasa-wadu → asad

Note: From 'vine' + 'path', shows typical development of infrastructure terms from natural materials

Military

branlir [bran.lir]

watchtower

Proto-Hick *bran-lir → branlir

Construction Terms

arasud [a.ra.sud]

plank, cut timber

Proto-Hick *xarasa-wudu → arasud

Note: From *xaru "cut" + *asa (PERL) + *wudu "wood", literally "cut-through wood"

'it [ʔit]

knot (in wood); falsehood

Proto-Hick *xitu → 'it

Note: Primary meaning refers to natural knots in wood/lumber. Abstract meaning "falsehood" derives from concept of deviation in wood grain.

See: Construction Terms, Abstract Concepts

Measure Terms

uran [u.rən]

inch (unit of length, approximately thumb-width)

Proto-Hick *ulu-haranu → uran

Note: Shows development of measurement system from body parts. Compound of *ulu "thumb" + *haranu "length". Compare ul "thumb".

See: Measurement Terms, Body Parts

brastran [bras.tran]

foot (unit of length, approximately arm-length)

brast-ran "arm-length" → brastran

Note: Shows development of -ran as measurement suffix from*haranu "length". Compare uran "inch".

See: Measurement Terms, Body Parts

barakter [ba.rak.ter]

league (distance walkable in one hour, roughly 3-4 miles)

barak-ter "walk-time" → barakter

Note: Distance measure based on one hour's walking time. Shows temporal suffix used for distance measurement. Often shortened to rakter in colloquial speech.

See: Measurement Terms, Distance Terms, Time Terms

Vehicular Terms

Basic Terms

tre [tre]

wagon, cart

Proto-Hick *mataru → matre → tre

Note: Back-formed from matre through reanalysis of ma- as plural prefix.

See: Vehicle Terms

matre [ma.tre]

caravan

Proto-Hick *mataru → matre

Note: Original form from *mataru, reanalyzed as plural compound leading to back-formation of tre.

See: Vehicle Terms

mater [ma.ter]

vessel, boat

Proto-Hick *mataru-heru → mater

Note: From "vehicle-action", specialized for water transport. From same root *mataru as tre/matre but with different development.

See: Maritime Terms

Derived Terms

matre [ma.tre]

caravan

Proto-Hick *mataru → matre

Note: Original form from *mataru, reanalyzed as plural compound leading to back-formation of tre.

See: Vehicle Terms

Household Terms

arasaditar [a.ra.sa.di.tar]

table

Proto-Hick *arasad-itar → arasaditar Note: From arasad "plank" + -itar (SUPE), literally "elevated plank" See also Construction Terms

Direction

Cardinal Directions

eldul [el.dul]

north

eldalulbres "north wind" → eldul

Note: Shortened from "elven wind", shows historical Eldrim influence on directional system.

See: Directional Terms, Wind Terms

kethul [ke.θul]

east

kethulbres "east wind" → kethul

Note: Shortened from "sea wind", shows maritime influence on eastern regions.

See: Directional Terms, Maritime Terms

thilul [θi.lul]

south

thilulbres "sacred wind" → thilul

Note: Shortened from "sacred wind", shows cultural association of south with favorable omens.

See: Directional Terms, Sacred Terms

tarul [ta.rul]

west

aitarulbres "rainy wind" → tarul

Note: Shortened from "rainy wind", shows climatic influence on directional terms.

See: Directional Terms, Weather Terms

Climate & Weather

Cold Terms

mirik [mi.rik]

ice

< PH *mirikrakhar "biting cold" (cold+tooth+action) →*miriku → mirik

Shows dramatic simplification common in basic terms

Note: Exemplifies metaphorical extension from sensation of extreme cold to the substance itself

See: Climate & Weather aimirik [ai.mi.rik]

slush, partially melted snow/ice

< ai-mirik "water-ice"

Note: Describes mixture state between water and ice

See: Weather Terms, States of Matter

kaken [ka.ken]

snowy, snow-covered

< ADJ-ken

Shows typical adjectival reduplication pattern

See: Weather Terms, Basic Terms

Temperature Terms

mir [mir]

cold, cooling

Proto-Hick *miru → mir

See: Water Features, Time Terms

miral [mi.ral]

cold water, winter pool

Proto-Hick *mir-mal → miral (lit. "cold-pool")

See: Sacred Terms, Water Features

thir [θir]

warm, warming

Proto-Hick *haru → thir

See: Colors, Sacred Terms

thiral [θi.ral]

warm water, summer pool

Proto-Hick *thir-mal → thiral (lit. "warm-pool")

See: Water Features

Wind Terms

bres [bres]

wind, moving air

Proto-Hick *bresu → bres

See: Maritime Terms

bressim [bres.sim]

weather (conditions)

bres-sim "wind-TRANS" → bressim

Note: Shows lexicalization of translative case marking, conceptualizing weather as "becoming like wind". Forms verb bressim'er "to change (of weather)".

See: Wind Terms, Climate Terms

Cardinal Winds

torulbres [to.rul.bres]

north wind

Proto-Hick *tor-ul-bres → torulbres

Note: Literally "mountain's wind". Later replaced by eldalulbres in many regions after Eldrim contact.

See: Landforms

eldalulbres [el.da.lul.bres]

north wind

Proto-Hick *eldal-ul-bres → eldalulbres

Note: Emerged after Eldrim conflicts, eventually replacing torulbres in most dialects. Shows cultural trauma associated with northern winds.

kethulbres [ke.θul.bres]

east wind

Proto-Hick *keth-ul-bres → kethulbres

Note: Common in eastern coastal regions.

See: Maritime Terms

thilulbres [θi.lul.bres]

south wind

Proto-Hick *thil-ul-bres → thilulbres

Note: Associated with favorable weather and good fortune. Shows semantic link between moral and natural forces.

aitarulbres [ai.ta.rul.bres]

west wind

Proto-Hick *aitar-ul-bres → aitarulbres

Note: Primarily used in coastal regions, associated with rainfall patterns. Inland regions often used libres.

See: Water Terms

Regional Variations

libres [li.bres]

gentle wind

Proto-Hick *li-bres → libres

Note: Used primarily inland for weakened western winds after mountain crossing. Shows regional variation in wind terminology.

Seasonal Terms

mirthral [mir.θral]

winter

Proto-Hick *mir-thral → mirthral (lit. "cold-day")

See: Time Terms

thirthral [θir.θral]

summer

Proto-Hick *thir-thral → thirthral (lit. "warm-day")

See: Time Terms

branthral [bran.θral]

spring

Proto-Hick *bran-thral → branthral (lit. "dawn-day")

See: Time Terms

thurthral [θur.θral]

autumn

Proto-Hick *thur-thral → thurthral (lit. "dusk-day")

See: Time Terms

thranal [θra.nal]

seasons

Proto-Hick *thran-thral → thranal

Note: Shows cyclical time through metaphor of countless sacred days

See: Time Terms, Sacred Terms

Musical Terms

Basic Terms

takutek [ˈta.ku.tek]

rhythm

Proto-Hick *takutaku → takutek

Note: Preserves onomatopoeic reduplication

'irur [ʔi.rur]

repetition

Proto-Hick *heru-heru → 'irur

Note: Shows reduplication of root *heru "action"

meltek [mel.tek]

song, melodic rhythm

Proto-Hick *melu-takutaku "sweet-rhythm" → meltek

Note: Shows extreme reduction of second element while preserving initial syllable. Forms verb meltek'er "to sing". Contrasts with takal for speech rhythm.

See: Musical Terms, Sound Terms

Instruments

'irurtak [ʔi.rur.tak]

drum

Proto-Hick *'irur-tak → 'irurtak

Note: Shows cultural connection between hollow objects and percussion instruments

Person Terms

Basic Terms

'al [ʔal]

person

Proto-Hick hi- animacy marker + Proth-Hick *ʔalu "person" → 'al

See: Political Terms

kir [kir]

body, physical form

Proto-Hick *kiru → kir

See: Body Parts, Sacred Terms

kiris [ki.ris]

outsider

Proto-Hick *kiru-ʔisu "body-out" → kiris

Note: Shows archaic directional suffix.

See: Person Terms

kiriter [ki.ri.ter]

foreigner, stranger

Inland Hick kir-iter "body-ELL" Note: Borrowed from inland dialects with productive ellative suffix -iter (vs coastal -imris). Contrasts with archaic kiris.

See: Person Terms, Directional Terms

gal [gal]

man

Proto-Hick garu + ʔalu → gar'el "hard-person" → gal

wen'al [wen.ʔal]

woman

Proto-Hick wen-'al "flower person" → wen'al

'eldal [ʔl.dal]

elf (individual)

Proto-Hick elda+'al "elf-person" → 'eldal Note: Borrowing from Sindarin eldrim with native person marker

See: Person Terms, Sacred Terms

'eldalok [ʔel.da.lok]

elven people

Proto-Hick 'eldal-ok "elf-AGENT" → 'eldalok

(agentive marking) Note: Collective form using agentive suffix to mark social group

See: Person Terms, Sacred Terms

ma'alok [ma.ʔa.lok]

community member

Proto-Hick ma'al-ok "community-AGENT" → ma'alok Note: Shows productive use of agentive suffix with collective terms. Compare ma'al "community" and 'al "person".

See: Person Terms, Political Terms

vinok [vi.nok]

baby, infant

Proto-Hick vin-ok "pregnancy-AGENT" → vinok Note: Shows semantic extension from agentive to resultative meaning.

See: Person Terms, Kinship Terms

imasamok [i.ma.sa.mok]

coward

Proto-Hick imasam-ok "cower-AGENT" → imasamok

(agentive suffix)

Note: Literally "one who cowers". Shows productive use of agentive suffix with compound base.

See: Person Terms

toreldal [to.rel.dal]

High Elf

tor-eldal "AUG-elf" → toreldal

edel [e.del]

Wood Elf

Sindarin eðel + pre-Early Hick ʔal → edel

ithiril [i.θi.ril]

Dark Elf

Drow Ilythiiri + pre-Early Hick ʔal → ithiril

Spirit Terms

imer [i.mer]

breath, soul

Proto-Hick *imeru → imer

See: Sacred Terms

imerlas [i.mer.las]

inspiration

Proto-Hick *imer-las → imerlas

imerimris [i.me.rim.ris]

expression

Proto-Hick *imer-imris → imerimris

Derived Terms

ma'al [ma.ʔal]

community, tribe

Proto-Hick ma-'al "COLL-person" → ma'al

See: Political Terms Note: Collective term implying social/political unity rather than simple plurality

vinlas [vin.las]

fetus, unborn child

Proto-Hick vin-las "pregnancy-ILL" → vinlas

Note: Shows lexicalization of illative case marking location within.

See: Person Terms, Body Parts 1

Name & Identity Terms

bar [bar]

name, mark of identity

Proto-Hick *baru → bar

Note: Core term for personal and social identity

barlas [ba.r.las]

personal name

Proto-Hick bar-las "name-ILL" → barlas

Note: Used for intimate/personal names

barimris [ba.rim.ris]

reputation, public name

Proto-Hick bar-imris "name-ELL" → barimris

Note: Used for social standing and public identity

bar'er [bar.ʔer]

to name, to call

Proto-Hick bar-'er "name-VERB" → bar'er

Note: Basic verb for naming/calling

Compound Terms

thralbar [θral.bar]

sacred name

Proto-Hick thral-bar "sacred-name" → thralbar

Note: Used in ritual contexts

barul [ba.rul]

name-keeper

Proto-Hick bar-ul "name-POSS" → barul

(possessive suffix)

Note: One who maintains genealogical records

mobar [mo.bar]

unnamed, nameless

Proto-Hick mo-bar "NEG-name" → mobar

(negation prefix)

Note: Used for both literal namelessness and social outcasts

Language Terms

Basic Terms

takutakal [ta.ku.ta.kal]

language

takutak-'al "rhythm-person" → takutakal

Note: Shows conceptual link between rhythm and language. Forms basis for word formation takal.

See: Language Terms, Sound Terms takal [ta.kal]

word

tak-'al "strike-person" → takal

Note: Metaphorical extension from takutakal, conceptualizing word as single unit of language rhythm.

See: Language Terms

Eldrim Terms

matakulambe [ma.ta.ku.lam.be]

Elven languages (collectively)

matakutakal-lambe "people's.rhythm-tongue" → matakulambe

Note: Early Hick term for Elven languages as a group, using Eldrim borrowing lambe. Shows typical compound reduction pattern. Used in scholarly/diplomatic contexts.

See: Language Terms, Eldrim Terms

torlambe [tor.lam.be]

High Elven (Quenya)

tor-lambe "high-tongue" → torlambe

Note: Early Hick term for High Elven language. Shows parallel formation to toreldal "High Elf".

See: Language Terms, Eldrim Terms

wudlambe [wud.lam.be]

Wood Elven (Sindarin)

wud-lambe "wood-tongue" → wudlambe

Note: Early Hick term for Wood Elven language. Parallels edel "Wood Elf". Most common Elven language in Early Hick contact.

See: Language Terms

takulambe [ta.ku.lam.be]

Common Elven (Sindarin-based lingua franca)

taku-lambe "common-tongue" → takulambe

Note: Early Hick term for simplified Elven trade language. Shows development of inter-cultural communication.

See: Language Terms

murlambe [mur.lam.be]

Dark Elven (Drow)

mur-lambe "dark-tongue" → murlambe

Note: Early Hick term for Dark Elven language. Parallels ithiril "Dark Elf". Rarely encountered in Early Hick period.

See: Language Terms

Political Terms

Basic Terms

ma'al [ma.ʔal]

community, tribe

Proto-Hick ma-'al "COLL-person" → ma'al

See: Person Terms

ma'alok [ma.ʔa.lok]

community member

Proto-Hick ma'al-ok "community-AGENT" → ma'alok Note: Shows productive use of agentive suffix with collective terms. Compare ma'al "community" and 'al "person".

See: Person Terms, Political Terms

im'irok [im.ʔi.rok]

enemy, adversary

Proto-Hick im'ir-ok "ill.intent-AGENT" → im'irok Note: Shows productive use of agentive suffix with abstract concepts.

See: Person Terms, Sacred Terms

Communication Terms

paket [pa.ket]

talk

Proto-Hick *pakata → paket

Note: Forms verb paket'er "to speak, to talk"

See: Social Terms

tenwa [ten.wa]

writing; spellcraft

Eldrim tengwa "letter" → tenwa

Note: Shows semantic extension from basic writing to magical inscription.

See: Communication Terms, Sacred Terms

tenwa'er [ten.wa.ʔer]

to write; to make spells

tenwa + -'er → tenwa'er

Note: Maintains dual meaning of base noun in verbal form.

See: [Communication Terms](#commun

Social Terms

Basic Terms

paket [pa.ket]

talk

Proto-Hick *pakata → paket

Note: Forms verb paket'er "to speak, to talk"

See: Communication Terms

ma'alok [ma.ʔa.lok]

community member

Proto-Hick ma'al-ok "community-AGENT" → ma'alok Note: Shows productive use of agentive suffix with collective terms. Compare ma'al "community" and 'al "person".

See: Person Terms, Political Terms

natlas [nat.las]

friend

Proto-Hick gnater-las "desire-ILL" → natlas

Note: Shows cluster simplification and case lexicalization. From "one in a state of desire/affection" to "friend". Compare grammaticalized desiderative -nat.

See: Social Terms, Case System

'iltakutak [ʔil.ta.ku.tak]

peace, harmony

'il-takutak "good-rhythm" → 'iltakutak

Note: Shows cultural conceptualization of peace as harmonious rhythm. Often used in diplomatic contexts. Forms verb 'iltakutak'er "to make peace".

See: Social Terms, Sacred Terms

Love Terms

sibris [si.bris]

romantic love

Proto-Hick *silu-hibrisu → sibris (compound fusion) Note: From "skin-fire", metaphorical extension to passionate but potentially fleeting emotion. Contrasts with meris "enduring love".

See: Abstract Concepts

meris [me.ris]

unconditional love

Proto-Hick *meru-risu → meris Note: From "heart-towards", metaphorical extension to deep, lasting emotional bond. Shows archaic lative case usage.

See: Abstract Concepts, Case System

dakisa [da.ki.sa]

infatuation

Proto-Hick *daluku-isa-hihasa → dakisa Note: Literally "snake in the gut"; metaphorical extension for intense desire

See: Body Parts, Sacred Terms

brismer [bris.mer]

passionate lover

bris-mer "fire-parent/heart" → brismer

Note: Shows ambiguous compound analysis between "passionate-parent" and "fire-heart", typical of Early Hick love poetry.

See: Love Terms, Person Terms

storbran [stor.bran]

marriage, family union

stor-bran "join-lineage" → storbran

Note: Shows formalization of marriage as union between family lines during Early Hick period. Forms verb storbran'er "to marry".

See: Kinship Terms, Social Terms

Emotion Terms

'ibris'er [ʔi.bris.ʔer]

to burn

'ibris-'er "burn-VERB" → 'ibris'er

Note: Base form for metaphorical extensions to passion and anger.

See: Basic Terms, Fire Terms

'ilibris [ʔi.li.bris]

passion; inspire fervor

'il-'ibris "good-burn" → 'ilibris

Note: Shows positive metaphorical extension of burning sensation.

See: Emotion Terms, Sacred Terms

imibris [im.i.bris]

rage, anger; wrath

'im-'ibris "ill-burn" → 'imibris

Note: Shows negative metaphorical extension of burning sensation.

See: Emotion Terms, Sacred Terms

kasai [kas.əi]

introspectiveness

introspection, self-reflection

kasu-ai "reflection-water" → kasai

Note: From ancient practice of water-gazing meditation. Shows metaphorical extension from physical reflection to mental contemplation.

See: Mental Terms, Sacred Terms

sai [sai]

sense of self; inner voice

Back-formation from kasai, reanalyzed as ka-sai "ADJ-self"

Note: Originally part of kasai "introspection", reanalyzed as adjectival compound leading to extraction of sai as independent term.

See: Mental Terms, Sacred Terms

'ilsul [ʔil.sul]

happiness, joy

'il-sul "good-liver" → 'ilsul

Note: Shows cultural conceptualization of liver as seat of emotions, particularly positive ones. Forms verb 'ilsul'er "to be happy". Often appears in well-wishing expressions.

See: Body Parts, Emotional Terms mes'er [mes.ʔer]

to feel (emotion), experience emotion

mes-'er "heart-VERB" → mes'er

Note: Basic emotion verb showing heart as seat of feelings. Often used in compounds to form specific emotion terms. Contrasts with sul- (liver) terms for deeper emotions.

See: Body Parts, Emotional Terms merkran [mer.kran]

emotional pain, heartache

mer-krantak "heart-pierce" → merkran

Note: Shows metaphorical conceptualization of emotional pain as heart-piercing. Forms verb merkran'er "to feel emotional pain".

See: Body Parts, Emotional Terms

Exchanges

'iruretil [ʔi.ru.re.til]

gift

Proto-Hick 'irur-etil "hollow-thing" → 'iruretil Note: Shows cultural link between containers and proper gifts. Always inanimate.

See: Material Culture

'irursibris [ʔi.rur.sib.ris]

ceremonial gift, dowry

Proto-Hick 'irur-sibris "hollow-love" → 'irursibris Note: Used for significant life events and marriage gifts. Shows cultural formalizatio

Learning Terms

Institutional Terms

'ilistal [ʔi.lis.tal]

library; school; place of learning

'ilis-tal "knowledge-place" → 'ilistal

Note: Shows development of formal learning spaces. Forms compounds for specific types of knowledge centers. Contrasts with 'ilisal for experiential learning.

See: Learning Terms, Building Terms

Conflict Terms

Basic Terms

imwes [im.wes]

invade, encroach upon

Proto-Hick *im-wes → imwes Note: Shows productive use of im- prefix for harmful actions. Forms verb imwes'er.

See: Action Terms, Conflict Terms harabran [ha.ra.bran]

conflict, grievance (especially between families/clans)

haran-bran "divide-lineage" → harabran

Note: Shows cultural conceptualization of conflict as family/clan division. Forms verb harabran'er "to feud".

See: Social Terms, Conflict Terms

Kinship Terms

Basic Terms

ba [ba]

father

Proto-Hick *bahu → ba

nai [nai]

mother

Proto-Hick *nahi → nai

mer [mer]

parent

Proto-Hick *meru → mer

See: Bird Terms, Sacred Terms, Animals Note: Metaphorical extension from bird terminology reflecting cultural values

thir [θir]

elder

Proto-Hick *haru → thir (metaphorical extension from "air/white")

lis [lis]

child

Proto-Hick *li-su → lis (lit. "little one") Note: Semantic d\lopment parallels diminutive formations (see lines 627-630)

See: Kinship Terms, Diminutive Formation

Compound Terms

merlis [mer.lis]

offspring

Proto-Hick mer-lis "parent-child" → merlis

bran [bran]

lineage, family branch

Proto-Hick *bahu lu-haranu → bran

(lit. "split from father") Note: Same term used for tree branch; see Flora Terms

thirmer [θir.mer]

grandparent

Proto-Hick thir-mer "elder-parent" → thirmer

thirlis [θir.lis]

grandchild

Proto-Hick thir-lis "elder-child" → thirlis

tormer [tor.mer]

ancestor

Proto-Hick tor-mer "great-parent" → tormer

limer [li.mer]

younger parent/aunt/uncle

Proto-Hick li-mer "small-parent" → limer

thirba [θir.ba]

grandfather

Proto-Hick thir-ba "elder-father" → thirba

thirnai [θir.nai]

grandmother

Proto-Hick thir-nai "elder-mother" → thirnai

torba [tor.ba]

ancestor (paternal)

Proto-Hick tor-ba "great-father" → torba

tornai [tor.nai]

ancestor (maternal)

Proto-Hick tor-nai "great-mother" → tornai

liba [li.ba]

uncle (paternal)

Proto-Hick li-ba "lesser-father" → liba

linai [li.nai]

aunt (maternal)

Proto-Hick li-nai "lesser-mother" → linai

vinok [vi.nok]

baby, infant

Proto-Hick vin-ok "pregnancy-AGENT" → vinok Note: Shows semantic extension from agentive to resultative meaning.

See: Person Terms, Kinship Terms

kethbran [keθ.bran]

kin, extended family

Proto-Hick keth-bran "hundred-lineage" → kethbran Note: Shows metaphorical extension of "hundred lineages" to mean extended family/kin.

See: Kinship Terms, Social Terms

storbran [stor.bran]

marriage, family union

stor-bran "join-lineage" → storbran

Note: Shows formalization of marriage as union between family lines during Early Hick period. Forms verb storbran'er "to marry".

See: Kinship Terms, Social Terms

Usage Examples

merlis-el thirmer-es thren-ʔer
offspring-ERG grandparent-ABS watch-ACT
"The offspring watches the grandparent"

Number System

Basic Numbers

sin [sin]

one

tir [tir]

two

Proto-Hick *tiru → tir (basic form)

thal [θal]

three

Proto-Hick *thalu → thal (basic form)

anin [a.nin]

four

Proto-Hick *xanu-inu → anin (counting form)

pil [pil]

five

Proto-Hick *pilu → pil (basic form)

sek [sek]

six

Proto-Hick *seku → sek (basic form)

pran [pran]

seven

Proto-Hick *pran-inu → pran (counting form)

kres [kres]

eight

Proto-Hick *kresu → kres (basic form)

sinkres [sin.kres]

nine

Proto-Hick sin-kres "one-eight" → sinkres

tirkres [tir.kres]

ten

Proto-Hick tir-kres "two-eight" → tirkres

keth [keθ]

hundred

Proto-Hick *kethu → keth

thran [θran]

thousand

Proto-Hick *thran-inu → thran (counting form)

Derived Number Terms

makres [ma.kres]

many

ma-kres "PL-eight" → makres

masin [ma.sin]

everyone

ma-sin "PL-one" → masin

mathal [ma.θal]

group (of people)

ma-thal "PL-three" → mathal

haran [ha.ran]

divide (numbers)

Proto-Hick *haranu → haran

-eth [-eθ]

inanimate ordinal suffix

Proto-Hick *-ethu → -eth

imurai [i.mu.rai]

stinky

Proto-Hick *imur-ai → imurai Note: Describes an unpleasant smell, metaphorically derived from the concept of bad air.

Negative Terms

im [im]

evil, abstract negativity

Proto-Hick *ʔimru → im

'imur [ʔi.mur]

evil force

Proto-Hick *hi-muru → 'imur

imurmal [i.mur.mal]

evil pool, cursed waters; swamp

imur-mal → imurmal

imurtor [i.mur.tor]

evil peak, forbidden mountain

imur-tor → imurtor

imurwad [i.mur.wad]

evil path, dangerous route

imur-wad → imurwad

imurthral [i.mur.θral]

cursed day/time

imur-thral → imurthral

Note: Maintains second element due to sacred term

See: Time Terms

imurai [i.mu.rai]

stinky

imur-ai "bad-air" → imurai

Note: Describes an unpleasant smell, metaphorically derived from the concept of bad air

Tactile Properties

Basic Terms

kagar [ka.gar]

hard

ka-gar "stone-like" → kagar

Note: From metaphorical extension of stone

See: Material Terms

kawak [ka.wak]

soft

ka-wak "breast-like" → kawak

Note: Shows cultural association between softness and nurturing

See: Body Parts

bris [bris]

heat

Proto-Hick *brisu → bris

See: Elements

mir [mir]

cold

Proto-Hick *miru → mir

See: Water Features

Place Names

'eldegral [ʔel.də.gral]

Feywild

'eldal "elf" + -gral "earth" → 'eldegral

Note: Shows vowel reduction in middle syllable and sacred earth metaphor

See: Sacred Terms, Landforms

Demonstratives

-'is [ʔis]

this; proximal-visible-animate

Proto-Hick *'isa → 'is

-is [is]

this; proximal-visible-inanimate

Proto-Hick *isa → is

-tan [tan]

that; medial-visible-animate

Proto-Hick *tana → tan

that; medial-visible-inanimate

Proto-Hick *ena → en

-eth [eθ]

that; medial-hidden-animate

Proto-Hick *etha → eth

(final vowel loss)

-thir [θir]

that; medial-hidden-inanimate

Proto-Hick *thira → thir

-um [um]

that; distal-animate

Proto-Hick *uma → um

-rum [rum]

that; distal-inanimate

Proto-Hick *urum → rum

Examples

tal-en [ˈta.len]

that place

tal-en "place-that" → talen

mal-en [ˈma.len]

that pool

mal-en "pool-that" → malen

Derivational Patterns

Augmentative/Diminutive

tor- [tor]

augmentative prefix "great"

Proto-Hick *toru → tor

Examples

tornes [ˈtor.nes]

whale

tor-nes "great-fish" → tornes

tomal [ˈto.məl]

lake

tor-mal "great-pool" → tomal

Note: Shows liquid deletion and vowel reduction in unstressed syllables

li- [li]

diminutive prefix "small"

Proto-Hick *lisu → li

Examples

limal [ˈli.məl]

pond

li-mal "small-pool" → limal

limur [ˈli.mur]

small owl

li-mur "small-owl" → limur

Note: Triggers reduction in following syllables

Adjectival Suffix

ka- [ka]

similative prefix "like, having quality of"

Proto-Hick *kasa → ka

Note: Developing from similarity marker to general adjectivizer

Examples

kasul [ka.sul]

energetic

ka-sul "liver-like" → kasul

kames [ka.mes]

emotional

ka-mes "heart-like" → kames

kamar [ka.mar]

red, ruddy

ka-mar "blood-like" → kamar

kagral [ka.gral]

earthy

ka-gral "earth-like" → kagral

kalis [ka.lis]

clear, obvious

ka-lis "eye-like" → kalis

Agentive Suffix

-ok [-ok]

agent

Proto-Hick *oku → ok

Common Phrases & Expressions

Greetings & Well-Wishes

'al-el 'ilitar venuiter-es

congratulations on your birth/happy birthday

lit. "person-ERG good-upon birth-ABS"

Note: Formal congratulatory expression using superessive case

See: Case System

'imeritares [ʔi.me.ri.ta.res] ~ imeritares [i.me.ri.ta.res] ~ imritares [im.ri.ta.res]

welcome; raised spirits

'imer "life" + -itar (SUPE) + -es (ABS) → ('i)meritares

Note: Formal greeting. Dialectal loss of initial glottal stop allows semantic extension from "upon life" to "raised breath/soul" through reanalysis with imer "breath/soul" + superessive -itar. Common usage leads to simplified form imritares

See: Spirit Terms, Common Phrases

'ilitar sarespes [ʔi.li.tar sa.res.pes]

Happy New Year

lit. "goodness upon the sprout"

Note: Traditional New Year greeting exchanged on sinthir sarespul thrales. Shows cultural link between agricultural cycles and well-wishing. The formal construction with superessive -itar reflects the blessing's ritual nature

See: Time Terms, Sacred Terms, Common Phrases

Cultural Practices

'irurlises duwesimris [ʔi.rur.lis.es du.we.sim.ris]

gift-giving

'irur-lis-es duwes-imris "hollow-fruit-ABS feed-ELL" → 'irurlises duwesimris

Note: Cultural practice of giving filled gourds as gifts during harvest festivals, metaphorically described as "feeding the gourd"

See: Food Terms, Common Phrases

sinthir sarespul thrales [ˈsin.θir sa.ˈres.pul ˈθra.les]

New Year's Day; first day of spring

lit. "first sprout's day"

Note: Marks the agricultural new year when the first sprout emerges. Shows the cultural significance of plant growth cycles in Early Hick timekeeping. The use of animate ordinal (-thir) reflects the personification of the first sprout as an active participant in the yearly cycle

See: Time Terms, Sacred Terms, Flora & Agriculture

Idioms

imtirokul matakalel ka'irurlislas'er 'alrumul pirul grapares

"A conman's word is a worm in your ear"

Literally: "scavenger's words container-into that-person's ear worm"

Components:

• imtirok-ul (scavenger-POSS)
• ma-takal-el (PLU-word-ERG)
• ka-'irurlis-las-'er (ADJ-container-ILL-VERB)
• 'alrum-ul (person.DIST-POSS)
• pir-ul (ear-POSS)
• grapar-es (worm-ABS)

Note: Expression warning against deceptive speech. Combines metaphors of:

• Words as living things (worm)
• Ears as containers for words
• Scavengers/conmen as sources of harmful words
• Earth-crawling motion suggesting insidious infiltration

See: Speech Terms, Animal Terms, Body Parts

Sound Changes in Compounds

Liquid Deletion

tor-mal → tomal "lake" thral-gral → thragral "sacred earth"

Nasal Deletion

peni bram-mal → bramal "tidal pool" bran-kel → brakel "morning sky"

Compound Simplification

tor-mur-mer → tomur "great owl" thur-mur-mer → thurmur "dusk owl" li-mur-mer → limur "small owl" See: Compound Simplification

Cross-Reference Index

• Water terminology appears in:
  • Natural Elements
  • Maritime Terms
  • Sacred Terms
• Height terminology relates to:
  • Augmentatives
  • Sacred Terms
  • Landscape Features
• Time concepts connect to:
  • Sacred Terms
  • Celestial Bodies
  • Bird Terms
• Color terms derive from:
  • Natural Elements
  • Metals
  • Time Concepts

Example Sentences

1. ai-es ter-ʔer
   water-ABS flow-ACT
   "Water flows"

2. mal-thir-el ai-es ward-ter
   pool-KNOWN.ANIM-ERG water-ABS contain-to
   "The known pool contains water"

3. tor-thir-es thral-ʔer
   peak-KNOWN.ANIM-ABS sacred-ACT
   "The known peak is sacred"

4. materok-el kethmater-im-ris keth-es ward-ter
   boatman-ERG sea.vessel-PROX-ELL sea-ABS direct-to
   "The boatman takes the sea vessel to the ocean"

5. murmer-is-el sak-es thren-ʔer
   owl-PROX.ANIM-ERG wolf-ABS watch-ACT
   "This owl watches the wolf"