proper noun · masculinesecond declension
Dauniī
Dauniī m pl (genitive Dauniōrum)
Meaning
- A tribe of southern Italy, inhabiting the part of Apulia included between the rivers Aufidus and Frento
Declension
| form | singular | plural |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | — | Dauniī |
| genitive | — | Dauniōrum |
| dative | — | Dauniīs |
| accusative | — | Dauniōs |
| ablative | — | Dauniīs |
| vocative | — | Dauniī |
Origins
From Ancient Greek Δαύνιοι (Daúnioi), said to be from the tribe's word for wolf, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *dhau (“to strangle”), perhaps through Illyrian where the voiced aspirate dh is expected. Compared to this are the god Faunus and Ancient Greek θήρ (thḗr, “beast, wolf”), though the latter is likely instead from *ǵʰwer-. More at Daunii and Faunus.