Lemizh / English dictionary
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fpràf.
to rustle; to whisper something-acc to someone-dat
Usage notes
The meaning ‘whisper’ is secondary; it developed from metaphorical use of ‘rustle’ and typically connotes a very quiet, friendly whisper.
This verb also, paradoxically, describes the sound of a boiling teapot before it starts to whistle.
Etymology
< NLem fprUf‑a
< LMLem, MLem perpif‑a ‘move around (violently)’
< OLem per‑pifh‑ ‘move around’, compound of
OLem peri ‘around, through’
< PLem, PIE *peri
—and—
OLem pifh‑ ‘move’ [intr.]
< PLem *pifh‑, i-reduplicated athematic present of
< PIE *peh₁‑
Cognates
Gk περί ‘about, around’; Ved vi-pipāná- ‘sorting out’