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[219] The only clue to the meaning of μολοβρός is the statement that “μολόβριον” denoted the young of the wild swine (Aelian, N. H. vii. 47). This at least is a meaning which suits the use of the word here and in 18. 26. As we find “ὀβρίκαλα” and “ὄβρια” used in nearly the same sense we may gather that “μολ-οβρός” is a compound; but the derivation of “μολ-” (Curt. Gr.^{4} p. 370) must be very doubtful. The explanation ought to include various other words; “μόλος” (Hesych.), “μόλουρος, μολούειν”, and the proper names “Μόλορχος, Μολώτας, Μολίων, Μόλυκος”, &c. In any case the derivation of “μολοβρός” need not affect the sense which it bears in the context. If it means a kind of pig, it is not likely that the first syllable is a mere general epithet, such as ‘dirty.’

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