σῡκοφαντ-ίας

σῡκοφαντ-ίας, ου, ὁ (sc. ἄνεμος), Com. word in Ar.Eq. 437, καικίας καὶ συκοφαντίας πνεῖ.

Grammatical information: m.

Meaning: `false accuser, denunciator', later also `trickster, cadger' (Ar.).

Other forms: Besides συκοφάσεις pl. = συκοφαντίαι (AP; after ἀποφάσεις a.o.).

Derivatives: συκοφαντ-έω `act as denunciator, accuse falsely, to practise blackmail', - ία f. `false accusation', - ίας m. ( ἄνεμος) "wind of accusations" (joking formation; Ar.), - ημα n. = - ία, - ικός und - ώδης `slanderous' (Att. etc.). Fem. συκοφάντρια (Ar.; Fraenkel Nom. ag. 2, 25).

Origin: GR [a formation built with Greek elements]

Etymology: Expression of popular language, prop. "fig-indicator", already in antiquity diff. explained. According to one interpretation (Plu. Sol. 24) prop. from one, who found out people, who against the prohibition exported figs from Attica, and denounced them. After Cook ClassRev. 1907, 133 ff. (agreeing Kretschmer Glotta 1, 386 w. lit.) the expression refers to an apotropäic gesture like Ital. far le fiche, Fr. faire la figue à qn. For the literal interpretation Gernet Mél. Boisacq 1, 393.

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