On the Imperfect ἐβίβασκεν (Homeric Hymn to Apollo 133) and the Causative Forms of the Paradigm of βαίνω

Abstract

Abstract The imperfect ἐβίβασκεν ( h . Ap . 133) has generally been considered an Ionic imperfect of βίβημι / βιβάω . However, its morphosemantic characteristics instead suggest an imperfect of βιβάσκω , a derivative of the former with the suffix - σκω . This present is used in the classical period with a causative value, but in the archaic period was documented in an inchoative sense. This evolution forms part of the development of a causative present corresponding to the sigmatic aorist of βαίνω that involved different formations until the creation of βιβάζω .