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[466] λίπ᾽ ἐλαίῳ. This phrase is always used in connection with “χρῖσαι, ἀλεῖψαι” Il.18. 350, etc. See Eustath. on Od. 6.227, where the simple “λίπ᾽ ἄλειψεν” occurs. “λίπα” is taken by some as an adverb, formed like “τάχα, κρύφα”, etc., and signifying ‘smoothly,’ i.e. ‘oilily.’ But it seems better to regard it as a dative for “λίπαι”, or “λίπᾳ” from an old nominative “τὸ λίπα”. Then “ἐλαίῳ” will be the dative from an adjective “ἔλαιος” from “ἐλάα”. Translate, ‘with oil-olive,’ as Exod. 27. 20.

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

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