Messapian

British

/ məˈseɪpɪk, məˈseɪpɪən, -ˈsæpɪk /

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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Messapian

A notable figure is Ennius, a Messapian, who began to write at the close of the third century B. C.

From A History of Rome to 565 A. D. by Boak, Arthur Edward Romilly

The name is said to mean "stag's head" in the Messapian dialect, in allusion to the shape of the harbour.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3 "Brescia" to "Bulgaria" by Various

It was in early times a place of some importance, as is indicated by the remains of a prehistoric enceinte and by the discovery of several Messapian inscriptions.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4 "Bulgaria" to "Calgary" by Various

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