MCV said
> The link between the collective and the feminine
> is part of PIE orthodoxy, so to speak, but I have
> yet to see a good explanation for such a thing.
Actually, the bull and his feminine-gendered herd makes a rather good
explanation, provided one sees the (post-Anatolic) PIE-speakers being
into heavy-duty stock-breeding.
You keep a few of the *best* males for breeding, and turn the rest
into veal, while harvesting his momma's milk, or, turn him into a
steer if you're just raising 'beeves'. Thus has it always been with
cattle (and other edible domestic critters). Anything else is economic
nonsense.
Why is it not 'a good explanation', Miguel?