Dear List,
Greetings.
I look up for the root of the word, "caste"
in Hobson-Jobson dictionary (famous for showing
Indic words in English):
http://dsal.uchicago.edu/dictionaries/hobsonjobson/index.html
Part of the entry on "caste"
[Begin quote]
1563. -- "One thing is to be noted . . . that no one changes from his
father's trade, and all those of the same caste (casta) of shoemakers
are the same." -- Garcia, f. 213b.
By Burton:
"Two modes of men are known; the nobles know
the name of Nayrs, who call the lower Caste
Poleas, whom their haughty laws contain from intermingling with the
higher strain."
[End quote]
Is this caste (casta in Portugese) related with
the phrase, "cast away"?
The verb, "cast" in phrase "cast away" is
related to Old Norse 'kasta' (= to throw),
Merriam-Webster (M-W.com) gives for
"cast":
Etymology: Middle English, from Old Norse kasta; akin to Old Norse
kos heap
My question:
Are the old Norse kasta & kos, are related to
casta in Portugese which is used for Indian
social system.
Thanks,
N. Ganesan