Reconstruction:Proto-Germanic/alhs

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.

Cognate with Lithuanian alkas, elkas (“sanctuary, grove”), Latvian elks (“idol”). Pokorny (p. 32) proposes a derivation from Proto-Indo-European *alk- (“sacred place, sanctuary; idol”) (= *h₂elk-), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂lek- (“to defend”), whence Ancient Greek ἀλέξω (aléxō, “defend, ward off”), Ancient Greek ἀλκή (alkḗ, “defence, help, strength”), Latin ulciscor (“avenge”). Kroonen, however, doubts this, adding that “iven the root noun inflection, it is conceivable that the word was adopted from a local non-IE language by Germanic and Baltic after their arrival in Europe” (2013:22 s.v. *alh-).

*alhs m^[1]

1. shelter; building
2. temple; sanctuary
3. settlement, residence

• *algōną

• Proto-West Germanic: *alh
  • Old English: ealh, alh, alhn
  • Old Saxon: alah
  • Old Dutch: *al
  • Old High German: alah
• Proto-Norse: ᚨᛚᚺ (alh), ᚨᛚᚻ (alh) alh (runic inscription)
• Gothic: 𐌰𐌻𐌷𐍃 (alhs)