PIE -*dh

Arnaud asked about a -*dh suffix.

There is a notable one in PIE; it forms names of tools.

This *dh is totally unrelated to *dhe:(H)-, 'place, put (more specifically,
release at')'.

It relates to a meaning 'hold' seen in *dho(:)H-, 'cord (what 'holds
[things] together'), bond'.

Rarer is a -*dh suffix which has two meanings: 'long' and forms names for
'body parts'. Its original vocalism can be seen as *dha:(H)- in several PIE
words though it requires a more contestable analysis. It is also the basis
for reflexive personal endings, and for imperative *dhi-, simply 'self'.


Patrick