√LEK root. “loose, unbind, let, permit”
This root was the basis for the word S. leithia- “release” as in the Lay of Leithian “Release from Bondage” (S/162). The Etymologies of the 1930s ᴹ√LEK “loose, let loose, release” with derivatives like ᴹQ. lehta- “loose, slacken”, N. lheithia- “to release” and Ilk. legol “nimble, active, running free” (Ety/LEK). According to Christopher Tolkien, a note on a slip accompanying The Etymologies had Leth- “set free” instead, related to ᴹ√LED (LB/154; Ety/LEK). In a list of roots from 1959-60 the root √LEK “loose, unbind, let, permit” reappeared (VT41/6), and Tolkien’s continued use of Q. lehta and S. leithian indicates its ongoing validity (VT39/17; S/162).
References ✧ PE17/159; VT41/6
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ᴹ√LEK root. “loose, let loose, release”
References ✧ Ety/LEK; LB/154
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