txakur/dzhagaru/cachorro....

[X99Lynx at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/28/2000 11:18:17 PM, acnasvers at hotmail.com writes:

<< <Zagr-> probably results from *diagr- (cf. Gk. <agra> 'hunting', <agreus>
'hunter', <agremios> 'taken in hunting', etc.). The meaning 'Jagdhund' as
opposed to simply 'Hund' agrees with this analysis. >>

If the word can be read as coming from Gk <agra>, then it can just as easily
be seen as coming from the more basic form, Gk <agros>, field, farm, tilled
land, pasture, country (vs. city). (Cf., <agraulos>, of field dweller,
shepherds, oxen; <agreios>, of the field or country-side).

This would suggest that the word could refer as much to a sheep or herding
dog or some other kind of dog that lives or works on a farm, as opposed to
perhaps a hunting or a fighting dog.

With regard to "Spanish/Port. cachorro" and maybe "txakur", there is some
reason to think that the words originated in a more complex and ancient
usage.  See Latin <cicur>, tame; <cicurare> to tame.  (Which might refer to
nothing more than a trained dog or animal as opposed to some larger idea like
domestication.)  Also, attested is "Gk <churra>, a call used by swineherds;
<churrabios>, swine-collar; <churrabos>, a bird."  Cf., Pol <kura>, hen.

In such examples as Lat <cicura>, <cura>, <sirius> and Gk <kurma>, <surma>,
<surte:s>, <koura>, <gurgathos>, etc., etc., we see all kinds of words that
involve many kinds of relationships with animals or those who handle or catch
them.   These words seem to show dramatic semantic drift and it is a tricky
matter to interpret any form like -kur or - garu for a specific
animal-related meaning.

Regards,
Steve Long