Reconstruction:Proto-Yoruboid/á-ɗú

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This Proto-Yoruboid 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-Yoruboid

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Etymology

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Perhaps from *á- (nominalizing prefix) +‎ *ɗú (to sacrifice; to use as a sacrifice for a deity), literally that which is ritually sacrificed, perhaps referring to the use of slaves as sacrifices during times of war in Proto-Yoruboid society. Cognate terms like Igbo oru have the term "ru," also referring to the venerating or sacrificing to local earth deities. Also see Ayere árú

Pronunciation

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Noun

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*á-ɗú

  1. slave

Descendants

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  • Igala: ádú
  • Ifè: arú
  • Ekiti Yoruba: erú
  • Yoruba: ẹrú