Λελεγίζω: An Obscure Verb

Abstract

The rare verb λελεγίζω is glossed as τὸ κιθαρίζω by Byzantine lexicographers. This paper discusses the form and meaning of λελεγίζω from the perspective of musical terminology, such as its relation to the verbs λαλέω and λαλαγέω or to -ίζω verbs derived from ethnic names. I propose that the most likely interpretation of λελεγίζω is that it means ‘to play the kithara in the Lelegian manner’.