> In what other contexts - buddhist or
>non-buddhist - does the word appear, and what is the meaning of the word in
>those contexts? Does it have a "pre-buddhist" meaning, and if so,
>what meaning?

I believe, though I'd have to check to be sure, that in Sanskrit and
Pali it is the same expression that you would use if you sought
protection with a local king or chief.

best regards,

/Rett