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[138] νίψασθαι, ‘for washing.’ See, by all means, the discussion on the form, original meaning, and Homeric uses of the Infin. in Monro, H. G. §§ 231 foll.

Notice here the manner of washing: the guest holds his hands over a basin, while water is poured upon them. “νίπτειν”, as distinguished from “λούειν”, is to wash a part of the body or of any object; as distinguished from “βάπτειν” (only once used, Od.9. 392), it describes the application of water to a thing instead of dipping it into water. “πλύνειν” is only used of inanimate things (see Trench, New Test. Synonyms).

παρὰ … ἐτάνυσσε, ‘drew up to the seat.’

Homer's Odyssey. W. Walter Merry. James Riddell. D. B. Monro. Oxford. Clarendon Press. 1886-1901.

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