Messapic
[ muh-sey-pik, -sap-ik ]
/ məˈseɪ pɪk, -ˈsæp ɪk /
|
noun
an Indo-European language that was spoken in what is now SE Italy and written with an alphabet derived from that of Greek.
Also Mes·sa·pi·an [muh-sey-pee-uh n] /məˈseɪ pi ən/.
Origin of Messapic
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for messapian
The name is said to mean "stag's head" in the Messapian dialect, in allusion to the shape of the harbour.
British Dictionary definitions for messapian
Messapian
Messapic (məˈseɪpɪk, -ˈsæpɪk)
/ (məˈseɪpɪən) /
noun
a scantily recorded language of an ancient people of Calabria (the Messapii), thought by some to be related to ancient Illyrian
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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