Reconstruction:Proto-Yoruboid/á-ɗú

This Proto-Yoruboid entry contains reconstructed terms and roots. As such, the term(s) in this entry are not directly attested, but are hypothesized to have existed based on comparative evidence.

Proto-Yoruboid

Etymology

Perhaps from *á- (“nominalizing prefix”) +‎ *ɗú (“to sacrifice; to use as a sacrifice for a deity”), literally “that which is ritually sacrificed”, perhaps referring to the use of slaves as sacrifices during times of war in Proto-Yoruboid society. Cognate terms like Igbo oru have the term "ru," also referring to the venerating or sacrificing to local earth deities. Also see Ayere árú

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /á.ɗú/

Noun

*á-ɗú

1. slave

Descendants

• Igala: ádú
• Ifè: arú
• Ekiti Yoruba: erú
• Yoruba: ẹrú