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[209] ἀπτοεπές used to be explained either as “ἀπτόητος” (undaunted) “τοῖς ἔπεσιν” or “καθαπτομένη τοῖς ἔπεσιν”, neither of which will do. As the word stands it is better derived from root “jαπ” of “ἰάπτω”, iacio, in the sense of ‘hurling words about,’ reckless in speech (so Monro). But there is much plausibility in Wackernagel's suggestion “ἀεπτοεπές” (or perhaps rather “ἀαπτοεπές”), ‘unmanageable, uncontrollable, in language.’ Cf. the forms 2.212 “ἀμετροεπής”, 13.824 “ἁμαρτοεπές”; and for “ἄεπτος” or “ἄαπτος” see on 1.567. Tradition varies between “ἀπτ-” and “ἁπτ-”.

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

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