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[347] The impf. γελοίων or “γελώων”, and the participle variously written “γελοίωντες, γελώοντες, γελώωντες” (18. 111., 20. 390) cannot come from “γελάω”. We must assume a derivative verb “γελοιάω” (or “γελῳάω”), meaning ‘to deal with, indulge in laughter’ (“γέλως” or “γελοῖα”). The form “γελοιάω” is supported by H. Ven. 49ἡδὺ γελοιήσασα”, and by Eust. : the MSS. of Homer generally have “γελώων”, &c. For the formation cp. “κολῳάω” ( Il.2. 212), “ὀκριάομαι” (18. 33), “ἑψιάομαι” (17. 530, see the note), “κυδιόων, φυσιόων”, &c.

ἀλλοτρίοισιν ‘not their own,’ not answering to their real feeling. The phrase “ἀχρεῖον γελάσαι” (18. 163) expresses much the same thing.

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hide References (2 total)
  • Commentary references from this page (2):
    • Homer, Iliad, 2.212
    • Homeric Hymns, Hymn 5 to Aphrodite, 49
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