Reconstruction:Proto-Germanic/wisundz
 |
This Proto-Germanic entry contains reconstructed terms and roots. As such, the term(s) in this entry are not directly attested, but are hypothesized to have existed based on comparative evidence. |
Proto-Germanic edit
Alternative forms edit
Etymology edit
Likely a lexicalization of the present participle *wesandz (Stiles 2004; cf. Krahe–Meid 1967:§129.1), from Proto-Indo-European *wes- (“to graze”). The naming-motive “big-eater” is suggested as hunters' taboo (compare 'grey one' for both hare and wolves; 'brown one' or 'honey-eater' for bear in Indo-European). Latin bisōn/bisōntis, variant visōn, is a first-century loan directly from continental West Proto-Germanic, as are Greek forms. Compare Old Prussian wissambrs (“bison”).
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
*wisundz m
Declension edit
| consonant stemDeclension of *wisundz (consonant stem) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| singular | plural | ||
| nominative | *wisundz | *wisundiz | |
| vocative | *wisund | *wisundiz | |
| accusative | *wisundų | *wisundunz | |
| genitive | *wisundiz | *wisundǫ̂ | |
| dative | *wisundi | *wisundumaz | |
| instrumental | *wisundē | *wisundumiz | |