Re: [tied] hospes

From: Darwin R. Garcia
Message: 5548
Date: 2001-01-16

The word originally meant guest or stranger, the two being synonymous. A stranger could be either friend or foe. That's dependant on cultural prejudice. A guest/stranger could be dangerous in some areas. In other areas, a stranger is welcomed.
 
"lord of foreigners" is a possible but not probable meaning because typically foreigners are to be bested not ruled.
----- Original Message -----
From: Max Dashu
To: cybalist@egroups.com
Sent: 2001 January 16 Tuesday 01:42
Subject: Re: [tied] hospes

Hosts as in massed armies, not hospitable feeders and entertainers. Dealing
with enemies, not guests.

Max Dashu

>But "lord of hosts" looks much more probable.

>> Not if you're familiar with any of the Indic languages. Besides "lord of
>>hosts" is not quite logical in any culture. Also, in the subcontinent, as
>>elsewhere, entertainment of guests was a very serious and humble duty.
>>The guest is the "lord".   Darwin >>