Query: term

[Blaine Erickson]

----------------------------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