Query: term

[Peter A. Michalove]

----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Ghost form?
 
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>
>Larry Trask's list of symbols and abbreviations prompts me to ask
>this question:
>
>What is the term (if there is one) for a "false" word inadvertently
>created by later generations, perhaps by misreading a text?
>
>Specifically, I am thinking of the Old Japanese "word" _ma_ 'horse,'
>which is a sandhi form of _uma_.  However, some dictionary editors
>seem to think it was a word, but in my opinion, _ma_ is nothing more
>than a...
>
>I don't know what term to use here.  Do you?
>
>Best,
>
>Blaine Erickson
>erickson at hawaii.edu
 
Peter A. Michalove
peterm at hercules.geology.uiuc.edu
Assistant to the Head
Department of Geology
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
(217) 244-3190