Very quickly:
Ferret derives from a
diminutive of Latin fu:r 'thief'
Polecat is a late word =
'hen-cat' (cf. French poule)
Slavic *tUxorI 'polecat'
may have to do with stinking, like any other mustelid
names.
Otter is *udra:x/*udros in several
branches
Weasel is a derivative of
*wiso- 'stench, poison'
Martes (Latin 'marten')
was a loan from Germanic, probably < *(s)merd- 'stink'
Greek iktid- 'marten' is
interesting. The i is prothetic, and the original stem was
ktid-; it looks old but I can't think of convincing cognates.
Galee: 'weasel, polecat, ferret' may be an ancient name
for something small and furry (cf. Latin gli:s 'dormouse').
Piotr
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, October 20, 2000 12:16 AM
Subject: [tied] PIE mustelids and seals
Is there PIE names for
weasel (Mustela nivalis and
alike) ?
stoat (Mustela erminea)
?
mink (Lutreola lutreola)
?
badger (already discussed)
*tasku-/tazgu-
marten (Martes spp.) ?
polecat / ferret (Putorius putorius &
Putorius eversmanni)"?
otter (Lutra lutra)
*udros
seal (Phoca spp.) ?
Joao SL
Rio