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[596] It seems clear that oil was actually used for giving clothes a gloss; see Od. 7.107 “καιροσέων δ᾽ ὀθονέων ἀπολείβεται ὑγρὸν ἔλαιον”, and the commentators there. It is said that a similar process is still used in some parts of Germany (Studniczka p. 49). ἦκα adapts “στίλβοντες” to the idea of ‘gloss’ as opposed to literal ‘sparkling.’ ἐλαίωι has often been taken to mean ‘shining as though with oil’ (so Ar. “ὅτι ἐλλείπει τὸ ὡς”), but such an interpretation, even if possible, is not necessary.

The Iliad, edited, with apparatus criticus, prolegomena, notes, and appendices. Walter Leaf. London. Macmillan. 1900.

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