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Igbo-English
Dictionary
----c.o----
A Comprehensive Dictionary
of the Igbo Language with an
English-Igbo Index
---c.o------
Michael J. C. Echeruo

....•••
~
ai,

Longrnan
-~
----.,.,.----~--- ~ - -- ~ -

. "Longman Nigeria Plc

52 Oba Akran Avenue
P.M.B. 21036
Ikeja, Lagos State
Nigeria
'reI. (01) 4978925-9
Fax (01)4964370
E-mail: l(lngman@linksE:'rve.~om

Area offices and branches

Abuja, Agbor, Akure, Enugu, Ibadan, Ilorin, Ios, Owerri,
Zaria and representatives throughout Nigeria

All rights reserved. No part (If this publication may be

reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior
permission of the copyright owner.

© Longman Nigeria Plc 2001

First published 2001

Reprinted 2003

ISBN 978 0264744

Printed by Orit Egwa Ltd, Dopemu, Agege, Lagos.

 la lovlnl lDe"'ry of my motlaer

(Ugoeze) Martba Nwiilari Echeruo

wbo worked wadi BleOD .1I1s Dledonary
till ller death in November, 1995
Map ofsouth-eastern Nigeria showing the Igbo Language area

,.
 Contents

Dedication III

Map of Igbo language area IV

Contents v

Abbreviations vi

Introduction VII

Acknowledgements XVII

Bibliography XVIII

Igbe-Euglish dictionary 1

English-Igbo index 177

Appendices
I. Suffixes and enclitics 277

Il. Numbers 279

Ill. Inkhom terms 280

 Abbreviations

adj adjective/adjectival noun Boob of the Bible

adv adverb/adverbial noun
alph letter of the alphabet . Acts Acts
aux auxiliaryto verbs Chr Chronicles
conj conjunction Cor Corinthians
dem demonstrative pronoun Oan Daniel
esp. especially Est Esther
excl exclamation or interjection Ezek Ezekiel
H . Hightone Ezra Ezra
inter interrogative pronoun Gen Genesis
L Low tone Heb Epistle to the Hebrews
lit literally Is Isaiah
n noun or nominal Jer Jeremiah
nom nominalisation Jn Letterto John
num numeral Job Job
prep preposition Lev Leviticus
pm pronoun l.k Luke
S Downstepped tone Mal Malachi
sfx suffix or enclitic Mt Matthew
v verb or verbal Numbers
Num
var variant Prov Proverbs·
Yor Yoruba Ps Psalms
Examples follow Rev Revelation
=
. Meaning follows Sam Samuel
Additional note follows Song Song of Songs
<> Etymological note Tit Letterto Titus
[] Encloses tone
() Encloses dialect zone

l
 1

Introduction
The Igbo language
Igbo is one ofthe eight major languages in the Benue-Congo Group ofAfrican languages (Williamson
1989). Spoken by some 20 million Nigerians, it is one of the three "national languages" (the others
being Hausa and Yoruba) so designated in the Nigerian Constitution. Although fairly sizeable
dictionaries are available for Yoruba and Hausa, nothing comparable exists for Igbo. This dictionary is
a modest first step towards meeting that need.
Every serious work on the Igbo language since J. P. Schon's Ibo Primer (1852) has had to
provide some listing ofIgbo words. Ofthe dedicated vocabulary lists, the best known are those of'S.
Crowther and J. P. Schon (1882 and 1883), the 1904 polyglot Ibo Dictionaryby A. Ganot (and his
Grammaire Ibo, 1879), Northcote W. Thomas's English-Ibo Ibo-English Dictionary (1913), and the
Dictionary ofthe Ibo Language: English-Ibo (1923) by Archdeacon T. J. Oeq and others. More
recently, we have R. G. Annstrong's Comparative Wordlist ofFire Igbo Dialects (1967), Igbo: A
Learner's Dictionary (1968) by B. F. Welmers and W. E. Welmers; and Kay WilIiamson's'Igbo-
English Dictionary (1972) which, although based on C. W. Pearman's manuscript wordlist,
incorporates the work of C, N. and E. l. Madiinagii who, under Dr. WiIliamson's guidance, added
new material to the collection.
Two dictionaries. have been produced by native speakers of the language: Okowa Okwu:
Igbo-English English-Igbo Dictionary (1962) by F. C. Ogbah; and A Modern Engltsh-Igbo Dictio,':ary
(1985) by H. l. Nnaji. Both are important pioneering efforts. AS the recent festschrift, F. C. Ogbalii
and the Igbo Language (ed. A. E. Afigbo, 1995) amply reminds us, Dr. OgbaIii was the motive force
behind the emergence of Igbo language revival and development. Although, therefore, there are
deficiencies in his compilation, it was his enthusiasm and commitment that has made much subsequent
work on Igbo possible. Every student oflgbo will remain grateful to him for that leadership. Okowa
Okwu, unfortunately, tried to do two things.at the same time: provide a list of original Igbo words,
and supply acceptable Igbo transliterations for English words in common use. especially in the
school system, e.g. bacteria = bakiteria, bank = banki, latitude = latitudi. Cantata = Kantata; and
sulphur = solufO. It did neither as satisfactorily as intended. Okowa Okwu has a short English-Igbo
wordlist, and an-evenshorter list of Igbo synonyms which was also intended to serve the community
ofstudents and teachers. H. I. Nnaji's Modern English-Igbo Dictionary ( 1985) is a different kind of
work. It offers meanings in both English and Igbo for a very wide selection of English headwords,
essentially translating standard dictionary definitions of the English headwords into Igbo.
This Dictionary ofthe 19bo Language is an attempt at a comprehensive reference work. It
collects discrete meaningful free-forms from various dialects of Igbo, and provides summary or
extended meanings with exampJes as necessary. Because it was not conceived of as a "learner's
dictionary", this volume has not tried specifically to find or provide lgbo equivalents for particular
English words. Quite the reverse: the dictionary has tried to identify Igbo words and to provide an
English-language gloss to those words in as approximate a sense as is possible. In consequence,
users anxious to find Igbo equivalents for particular English words may have to turn to the English
Igbo-Index for the closest synonym.
I'-~-el-e-c-ti-o-n-o-f-m-a-te-r-i-al-S----": :"'-----=------------­
Igbo Dictionary

Because this dictionary has been designed to be as comprehensive as possible. even ifnot definitive
in every instance, and to record and gloss all meaningful discrete word-forms in the various dialects
of Igbo, no distinctive occurring forms have been excluded. Accordingly. the following forms are
recorded:
a) distinctive forms that occur in any dialect, provided they can be accounted for by some general
phonological or other rule; e.g. okpala, okpara, okwala, okwara, opara (= first son); fa, ha, va,
wa (= they); mie, nwaami, nwanyi, nwunye (= wife; woman); and ele, elege, eleglti (= like, as);
b) "aberrant" forms, some of them adopted from other languages which occur but do not fit existing
rules, e.g. afe (= cloth, dress); akamu (= corn-starch); akupe (=fan); and oloma (= orange).
Although they have not been so categorised, these items fall into three classes:
i) ["native words"]: abali (= night-time), nkita (= dog). and iidara (= star apple);
ii) [derived words]: ecice (= thought [from cee = thinkj), mkpari (= ridicule [kpa-ria = ridicule]);
and
iii) [assimilated words]: anyanwii (= sun [from any a (= eye) + anwii (= sunlight)]. and eligwe (=
heaven [from elu = top, high + igwe = sky]). Indeed, almost all Igbo nouns of more than 3-
syllables are either nominalisations (ogbakoba (= assembly [from gba-kod], or re-duplicated
forms: e.g. igirigi (= dew), [gbaa] okirikiri (= surround) (Green and Igwe 1963; Anagbogii 1990).
Entry items have been collected from a variety of sources: classic texts such as the Protestant
Bible, Bible Nsii; existing dictionaries and wordlists; creative works of poetry. drama, and especially
fiction (from Pita Nwana's-Omeniiko to Tony Ubesie'sJiio Obinna); works written in English about
Igbo life -from Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart to Chukwuemeka Ikes The Bottled Leopard;
technical and periodic literature: from works on Agriculture, Religion and Anthropology to essays
and field studies on feminism and birth songs, for example. Inevitably. several other possible sources
of information have not been used, and the work of lexicography must remain a continuing one.

The new standard orthography (NSO)

The orthography adopted for this Dictionary is the New Standard Orthography (NSO) reproduced
below. It is an updated and modified version of the official Onwu Orthography (1961 ).
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, GB, GH, GW, H, I, I, J, K, KP, KW, L, M, N, NW, NY, N, 0,
0, P, R, S, SH, T, U, D, V, W, Y, Z
The New Standard Orthography (NSO) makes four changes to the 1961 orthography.
a) Sub-dotted vowel characters
The Onwu Orthography allowed Igbo to bewritten entirely in the Roman script, with only the exception
of the three closed vowels, i, 0, and u, with subscript dots under them. This particular exception has
led to techriical typographical complications which-could not have been foreseen in 1961. Underlining
ofIgbo texts has hitherto been plagued by technical'problems; in both handwritten and in some typed
texts, the sub-dots have invariably been overwritten or typed-over by the underlining character.
Moreover, by using the sub-dot, the Onwii Orthography consigned Igbo, unintentionally, to a script
group to which, by the very nature of its sound system. it did not belong. In any event. although some
Nigerian languages use sub-dotted vowels (e. g. Efik and Yoruba), there are other Nigerian languages
which use "unconventional" characters. An example is Kanuri with an absurd minuscule "0" as a sub-
dot under "a" and "e." Igbo does not. therefore, jeopardise any pan-Nigerian orthographical convention
by simplifying its practices. To resolve these problems, the New Standard Orthography (NSO) replaces
the sub-dotted vowels with umlauted ones ( I; 0; and ii ).
b) The "eh" digraph
"Ch" is redundant as a digraph. That is to say. iflgbo had a "c" there would perhaps be justification
for "ch" but that is not the case. Nowhere in the Igbo language does a situation arise in which "eh" is

viii
 Introduction

in complementary distribution with "e" , In addition, the Onwu Orthography does not allow Igbo to
have a simple "e" although it is well understood that Igbo "eh" is neither "a clear-cut cluster" nor "a
combination of c and h" but "a single sound" (Emenanjo, 1978) . Whereas with other Igbo consonant
clusters (gb; gh ; gw; kp ; and sh), the component elements are themselves characters within the
alphabet, in.their own right, the matter is different for " eh" , We thus have a character made up of"c"
and "h" when the "c" does not occur independently in the alphabet. One consequence of thi s
situation is that in enumerations, an alphabetical listing that begins with "a, b .. : ' must-use "eh" --
because "e" is not a letter in the alphabet. The New Standard Orthography (NSO) resolves this
difficulty by replacing the digraph "eh" throughout with a simple "c". It is a modest but impo rtant
change. It may be a difficult change for some people to accommodate, but it is a necessary one .

c) Sort order
It has long been recognised that the order of the Igbo alphabet in the Onwii Orthography needed
modification. In proposing a revision to "simplify the work of lexicographers and in consonance
with existing international practices," the Standardisation Committee recommended the following
order:
a b, e, d, e, f, g, gb, gh , gw, h i, i, it k. kp, kw l, m. n, d, nw, oy 0 , 0, p r, 50 sti, I u it, v w, y z
The New Standarii Orthography (NSO) has mo dified this ord r furthe r by moving " ii" to a position
after ' nw' and " b y", as had indeed been proposed years ago (lgwe and Green [1964 ]). This change
realises the ful l logic of an alpbabetically-ordered orthography, TIlls orde r i follo wed throughout
this dictionary. Accordingly. j ust as 0 and agii come before agba, 0 also anwii and anyii come
before ana, and ¥> en.

d) The voiced velar nasal, ii

The voiced velar nasal has been variously represented in the Igbo orthography. In the Onwu
orthography, it is represented as an "n" with a super scripted dot (ri), Thisvariation, like its predecessors,
i\ and I), is a non-standard character which does not exist in the Internat ional character set. The New
Standard Orthography has replaced it with n, which is a standard character available to both the
specialist and the general public alike. With this change, all four unique characters ofthe Igbo alphabet
(I, 0, u and ii) can now be written and printed with standard characters by all and sundry.

The status of "sh"

Although initial "sh" appears in only a handful of words, but relatively more frequently in medial
positions, yet it does not replace "s" in those po itions , and so justifies its existence as a distinct item
in the Igbo orthography and oun d sy tem . The ins tances of initial occurrence are mostly dialectal,
but m'edial occurrence cut across zones. It i poss ible that its fate in a future Igbo language, like that
of "v ' (and, in certain contexts, of " f" will b determ ined by the relative pace of standardisation in
conj unction with the discernible movem . nt of the language in the direction of increasing devoicing of
many of its consonants.

Arrangement ofthe dictionary

The Dictionary provides the following features:

a) Igbo headword
This is either a free-form word (udo = cable; bia = come), or a longer noun or verb phra se (ibe nna =
uncle; abali-di-egwu = armed robbery; or tiikwasi obi = have confidence in).·

b) Grammatical class
Grammatical class (using abbreviations) is indicated in italics immediately after the headword The two
main classes identified are, ofcourse, nouns and verbs. Others are adjectives, adverbs. conjunctions,

ix

. . . . . .- _. . .- - - - _...........--=-=-=-==---=-- - - - - - -
 tgbo Dictionary

exclamations or interjections , prepositions, and suffixes. Classification has not been complicated for
nouns and verbs: all nouns, except for loan words. have an initial vowel, semi-vowel or syllabic
nasal; the verbs. without exception , ha e initial consonants. Adjectives and adverbs are a different
matter, as is well-known . The use of the term "qualificative noun" instead of adject ive is helpful in
drawin g attention to the problem : but it solves nothing (Emenanjo, 1978). The fact is that ome Igbo
nouns (but not most) can be used to serve expl icitly "adjectival" functions without a change in fOIDl
or tone. When serving that function, they are usually "marked" by a preceding "dl"' verb. Nouns that
function in this way can. however, be identified only by their semantic character. In this dictionary,
therefore. they have been listed as nouns and a adjectives (e.g. ogologo n = length; ogologo adj =
long). Where this is impossible. J have preserved their classifi cation a nouns but added a note to the
gloss when the English equivalent is actually an adjective. Additionally. in the English-Igbo Index.
the English equivalents of these Igbo nouns/adjective are identified as "adjec tives." as they must be.
A similar difficulty arises with adverbs. sometimes called "adverbial nouns" by those who
assert quite flatly that "there is no syntactic class of adverbs in Igbo' . although "adverbial notions
are frequently found" (Emenanjo, 1978). Where a noun can serve as adverb; where the word that
serves that function does not otherwise satisfy the first conditions for a noun-class word. it i classified
exclusively as an adverb. All adverbs. in addition. satisfy the simple test ofbeing minimally functional,
for example. after mee (as in mee gar'i gar'i; mee osiso). For this rea on. most ideo phones are
classified as adverbs. Most adverbs would consequently be expected to take the form of duplicated
adjectivals; as for example, ngwa ngwa .
c) Tone
Because tone-m arking is not obligatory in Igbo, and because there has been no agreement as to
whether all or only "low" and "downstepped" tones should be marked. this dict ionary has taken the
comprom ise route and indicated tone in capital letters wirhirrsquare brackets n[ [", Because ofvariations
in tone across dialects (and among users). the tones given in this dictionary may not always correspond
to those known to particular native users. espec ially as no particular dialect has been regarded as
"standard". However, every attempt has been made to ensure that the tone recorded is actual and
current in the language . Some errors of transcription (and a great deal of genuine disagreement) are
certa in to arise in this effort, and correct ion that are necessary will be made in future editions.
d) Dialect zone
In a number of instances. dialect zones have been indicated after the headword . This designation is
intended to identify a particularlocale (or region) for some words, but mostly as a matter of detail
especially for those forms that (for reasons ofdialect purity) are not interchangeable between dialects;
e,g.. rie ihe (Owere); lie ire (Onica) = eat something. but not *rie ire. or *lie ihe . There is no attempt
to provide dialecta l locations on a regular or consistent basis. In addition . the designations "Onica"
and "Owere" are used both for forms local to the two towns. as well as for usages associated with the
two main dialect areas. Similarly, some ofthe names given for zones refer to towns . local government
areas, even electoral constituencies. Although the practice may make zoning somewhat untidy, it
nevertheless allows for specific additional (and useful) information to be provided regarding the
occurrence of particular words .
e) Meanings
Meanings have been given as briefly and as succinctly as possible; in fact; in many cases. explanatory
definitions have been found unnecessary, and so single word meanings have been provided; as. for
example, mmiri = water! However, with culture words, and with verbaIs. addit ional information, and "
examples, have been provided . Many names of plants. and animals have only been given generic
definition. mainly because identification with English equ ivalents has not always been possible , or
has been problematic. In these cases. for this edition of the dictionary, ~ have listed the word primarily
so as to preserve its form and general meaning . Wherever possible, howe ver. I hare given technical or

x
 Introduction

sci ent ific names for plants and animals. It should be pointed out that some of these scientific names
have changed over the years, and a current set of terms will have to be worked into future ed itions.
Sometimes a list ofmeanings is provided which cannot all be exactly right. A good example
is anyii, which is rendered as "cucumber; melon; pumpkin." As is obvious, the word cannot be all
three th ings . But because these items have not been satisfactorily identified, and because usage of
these English equivalents has been extremely loose , many lgbo speakers have found themsel ves
using any or all of the three English words indicated when referring to anyu .
When mo re than one major meaning ha been provided, numbers have been used to mark
the ir boundaries. Nothing is implied in the order of the entries regarding what is usually thought of as
primary and secondary meanings' or fOT tha t matter, idiomatic or other specialised usages of the
word. Wh ere the differences in meaning are slight (akwa = "cloth" , " clothing" , "dress," for example),
numbers have been el iminated altogether and meanings have been separated on ly by semi-colons.

f) Examples
As a matter ofpoIicy, examples have been provided only where they are absolutely necessary. Since
the body of published material on which to base reliable citations of usage is relatively limited,
ingenious examples created-by the lexicographer can often become self-serving and unverifiable
instruments. Such examples have been avoided.

g) Variants
Varian ts are defmed here as phonologicall y related alremative form s of headwords. They exclude
synonyms. Only significant variants (Le. variants that would otherwise be lost or m istaken for other
words) are listed it isnot im plied in an y way that a particular variant is restricted to the zone indicated.
No pre ference isexpressed or implied as to the importance or status of any variant. Hence, for example,
okpal~ okpara ok w al a, and opara are listed as variants of one another. Nor is the list of dialect
variants exh aus ti ve as some recent studies of d ialect variants for common body parts have
demonstrated. Where the variant is actually a different lexical entity (e.g, "think" = cee [Owere]; loo
[Onitsha]), attention has been drawn to the fact in an asterisked (* ) Note.

h) Etymology
Etymological and derivational notes for particular words are given in angled brackets. These notes
range from obvious instances ofborrowing as Maazi from "Monsieur" and parallel cognates such as
okwute and Yoruba okuta (= "rock') to more problematical items concerning Ijaw roots for ogumabiri
(= "daily market"), and YorubalNubian sources for ala (= "earth")!

i) Related words
Where necessary or useful, short Dotes have been provided directing the reader to particular
connections or usages between the word in question and other words and usages. Such notes have
been marked by a single asterisk, and come immediately after meanings and examples.

SpeDingconventions
Igbo is essentially a two-syllable (VCV or CV(V» language. Extensi ons of this basic syllabic structure
are usually. VCV+CV(V). or VCV +VCv. Most junctures are , therefore. marked by double vowel
seq uen ces - which th en ar e affec ted by rules of assimilation. The practical problem for Igbo
lexicography is to maintain a balance between, on the one band, retaining scribal forms whichpreserve
the assimilated syllabic form, and, on the other. re-consriruting those forms into their original ind ividual
word unitslinked by blank spaces or hyphens. The latter must be done often if the underlying links
within compounded multi-syllabic words are not to be lost. To complicate matters . Igbo words are
often truly complete statements, e.g. Dwunyemkpiiriiiidaasii ii (= allophone). lit"the wife of me seed
ofthe sound/phone ofa language." As written, it is virtually un-pronounceable and awkward. There
are many words, not as tedious as this, which raise serious problems for spellers. Because existing

xi
 lgbo Dictionary

texts themselves carry both forms in no particular order and for no particular reason. both forms and
spellings will be recorded and cross-referenced. as circumstances dictate .
The Standardisation Committee of the Society for the Promotion of lgbo Language and Culture,
through its influence on the school system and the examinations proces s up to the university level.
has had a very salutary effect on the standardisation of Igbo spelling conventions. Still, as is perhaps
to be expected. much remains to be done . In fact. some of the conventions already established may
need to be reviewed. For example, the Committee's recommendation that lgbo words be spelt "us
pronounced except where convention has established a particular spelling" becomes problematic
when the Committee does not quite indicate which "conventions" are to be regarded as "established."
The Standardisation Committee also recommends that "each of the two or more elements which has
an independent and identifiable meaning, should be written separately". but makes exceptions of"all
kinship terms" (except "professions usually preceded by di") and "fossilised forms" such as "dike,
dibia, nwoke, nwata, okorobia, agboghobia, usekwu , and ugoloma." Other writers have made their
own exceptions.
Established spelling usages for personal and place names. for example. have remained largely
unstandardised, and this dictionary has not attempted to impose a standard method for re-writing
these names. It is easy enough to attempt such an exercise with "Onitsha" ()n"ical . " Awka (Oka) or
"Owerri" (Owere), Names like "Afikpo" (Ehu Ugbo ). "Umuahia" (O ma ahr a or "'m u ahia ) create
problems requiring a fuller uncovering of histor y and a sifting f' folk et. mologrcs and genea log ies to
resolve. In the absence of writers and publishers independent I the tandardi uion nnrnittee and
the competition for book sales, the determination of spelling. con entions ha. been leti to schoolmasters
and examiners who have used the penalty of fai lure at publ ic examinati ns [0 uupo e a pelling
convention neither justifiable in logic, nor in the eco nomy of effort it require s. This dictionary has
been a victim ofthis state ofaffairs . In the absence Ia widely canvassed and fully developed spelli ng
convention, and lacking the benefit of the authority of independent creativ e writers. the dictionary
has applied a minimalist rule to all words encountered; namely, whenever in doubt. to separate out the
component parts ofcompound words . The rule can be expanded as follows: wherever an independent
unbound meaningful unit can be identified in a lexical item of at least three (or four) syllables, the
unit has been kept apart (with or without a hyphen) for the convenience of users, and the benefit of
lexicography, rather than as a prescription for spelling. Nothing is lost. in relation to the lexicon. but
the extra space or hyphen ; what is gained, however, is a fuller appreciation of the original structure of
the word from its combining elements.
Arising from this . too, have been duplications and apparent inconsistencies. The entries elu
i~we, elu-igwe and eligwe represent three phases of the spelling standardisation scheme. The first
gives the two elements out of which the word " heaven" was compounded: the second. with the tell-
tale hyphen. indicates the very close formation that has developed between them : the third shows the
two bonded together in a word which existing texts have spelt in this particular way . Nothing,
obviously. prevents speakers of the language from pronouncing all three forms alike. From a
lexicographer's point of view, the first consideration has been the preservation, wherever possible.
of compounding elements that are also lexical items in their own right .

Tone and default tone

Igbo is a two-tone (High. Low) language: akwa [HHJ (= tear); akwa [HL] (= cloth): akwa [LHJ (=egg);
akwa [LLJ (:. bridge): saa [HHJ (= be wide or outspread): and saa [LH] (= answer: give reply to). The
so-called Class 5 nouns (c.g. agii [HSJ = leopard) which feature i.~ downsrepped high tone in the
second syllable. are not as unique as previously believed. since they all also permit a semantically
acceptable HH tone pattern (Echeruo, 1996). Thus , although agii [HH and HS) ( == tiger) occurs in the
language. and is meaningful ; akwa [HS] may occur in a sequence. but would be meaningless in
isolation. From this consideration alone . it is obvious that only tone patterns which can occur with
meaning in isolation from other syntactical processes need have a place in the determination of the

Xll
 Introduction
form and boundaries of an Igbo word.
Thi dictionary therefore, works from the po ition that minutely exactphonetic tone-marking
ofwrittenlgbo is unacceptable and untenable. uch an act is a denial of orthography itself Such a
result cannot be the goal of eith er orthography or lexicography , Tone-marking must onl represent a
stable pattern fo r partic ular lexical items seen as isolable units . It is this to" pattern, not the many
possible patterns a lexical item may manifest in various syntactic and phou logical environments,
that must be represented. I call this the "default lexical tone." Hence. although akwa = tear) may
occur in many contexts with a variety of tone patterns (in assoc iative constructions, for example), yet
it is co nsistently represented by its default [HH] too! pattern.
To repeat: entri e carry their default tone values; that is, the tones with which they are identified
in their primary entry; thus ignoring tone change dictated by the contingent environment Ama
iigha (= false witness) as an entry retains the default tones of its constituent units: ama ([LL] =
information) and iigba ([LH] = a lie), even though the compound word is realised with a different
tonal pattern io actual spe ech.

Dialec and a standard language

tudents oflgbo used to speak ofth language 's six dialect zones: Plains; Osimili; Savannah; Omambala;
Central; D elta: and Enyom. More politically-minded investigators have preferred to see otherwise
obviously Igbo dialects as quite different languages. That phase of political sc holars hip is almost
ove r though vestiges remain in certain areas. Informally though,Igbo peak ers know among others,
ofAhoada, Bende, Ika (Western Igbo) Ikwerre lzzi Mbaise, Nsuka, Obowo, Ohiihii. 6rnca (Onitsba)
and Owere (Owerri) dialects, etc . Actually, as with many other languages though not exactly for the
same reasons, many intermediate and transitional groupings exis t. As is clear from Peannan 's work , an
Igbo dictionary based on a particular dialect (Onica, in th is instance) may not be- as unique in its
lexicon as might be supposed.
In general there are two major dialect zones. in Igbo : Owere and Omca, although quite
ignificant variations occ ur within each zone. Indeed the zones are defined by a general combination
ofsyntactical. Iexical. and phonological features rather than exclusively by anyone of those elements.
Thi is important to bearin mind., especially because many specialised wo rd are to be found across
dialect zones in small well-defined pocketsofusage. Within the Onicazone, the followiogsubregions
can be identified: We t Igbo; Osomari'; siika-Udi; and Izi-Abakaliki. The trong local variations in
the Oka area and the transitional features ofthe Ihiala-Uli complex may also be noted. The Owere zone
incorporates such distin ct sub-regions as Mbaise; Afikpo-Eda; Obaafia-Bende-OhUhii; gwa-Aziimini
an d lkwere-Ahoada. It i impo rtan t to emphasize that although, a with all language comm uni ties,
m utual inte lligibility i impaired or restricted acre s these dialect (and sub-regional) zones, the basic
elements of the language remain constant 'throughout.
Wo rk for this dictionary has shown that the phonological boundaries do not always coincide
with the lexical. Word forms have been foun d in widely separated amd non-contiguous areas of
lgboland. For the purposes of this dictionary... therefore, recording existing dialect variants has been
more important than identifying their preci e dialec t zones. Over the years, a written standard Igbo
(called Ig bo Izu gb e, by the Standardisation Co mmittee) has been gaining currency in educational
institutions. the mass media, as well as in popular publications. Th is standard language draws from
two main ari etie s ofspoken 19b : a "generalised Owerri/Umuahia lgbo " and a "genera lised Onitsha
Igbo" (Emenanjo, 1978). While the dri e for a standard language makes ermnent ense with regard
to str ucture. it is an impoverishing development when applied to the lexicon. What this dictionary
does is to try to record the totallgbo word-stock, and give writers (and peakers the fre edom to use
the language as creatively and as unabashedly as they wish , knowing that readers and listeners have
a reference work to aid comprehension.
How best to represent the variations in spoken Igbo across the language area is beyond the
scope of this dictionary to determine. It is however clear that how we read texts depends on conventions
that are not entirely dependent on spelling. It is possible, therefore, for a reader of ar. Igbo text to

XIII
 Igbo Dictionary

pronounce am; ahii, or avii as he or she chooses, depending on the dialect base that determines his
or her spoken form of Igbo. Texts demand dialectal accuracy and fidelity only in creative or academic
works where dialectal variations are tokens of character definition and scholarly precision.

Igbo verbals
T his dict ionary tries to accord Ig bo verbals a place in the lexicon co mpara ble to that wh ich they
enjoy in the grammars. There have been harp disagreements among sc holars as to the exact boundarie
o f an Igbo verb class , arising from om very basic prob lem ofde finitio n (Uwalaka, 1983 : Emenanjo,
1983a ; Ojr, 19"83 and Nwachukwu, 1983b). This rate of' uncertainry rais . pro blems for lexicography.
First. Igbo ver bs have, for the most part, been studie d under their stem and infinitive forms and are
so li ted in existing voc abulary lists . As a result. for example, Igbo verbs are listed or cited under two
vowels; " i " or "a"
i-» (i-le [= to look], i-li [= to bury]; i-Io [= to swallow], i-Iu [= to throw]);
a-» (i-la [= to go back home], i-la [= to ignore a wrong], 1-10 [= to dream], and'a-lii [= to
marry].)
.econdly. an d qui te as im portantly. some of the more crucial distinctions which need to be
made in Jgb o verba l studie are ob cured by th e reliance on either infinitive or stem citations after
th e man ne r of the European la nguages. The difference between so-called Class I and Class 2 verbs
would. for example , be unnoticed unles the imperat ive forms of these verbs are examined
t wachukwu, 19 3a). Furtherm ore , a chara cteris t ic feature of Igbo is the manner in which its verbs
res pond (phenological ly) in the im perative mood. The-evidence shows that Igbo verbs follow a very
rigi d gri d when forming positive imperative forms . and this grid is tell-tale oftheir other characteristics.
Igbo verb , a this d ictionary demonstrate , ha ve defining two-syllable endings. as follows : -aa, -ee.
-ie, -Ia, - 0 0, -00. and -iio . Th ere are. indeed. instan ces when this scheme appears not to be operative.
as with l\'elii an d were (= take). But eve n in uch instances, there is a parallel form wee which has the
same meaning, Whet her we sho uld conclude fro m this that the 2-syllablt: imperative form evolved in
the ame way fro m -re and -lii is another matter. What is clear is that Igbo verbs are better accounted
for by using their positi ve imperative forms than the stem forms so habitually in use in Western
linguistics . On e cle ar ad anlage of this is that all Igbo verbs can be found distributed over the
co nsonant s which are the firs t element of their structure. At the same time. the cited forms are also
semantically viable; that is, meanings can be attached to them in ways that arc more specific than
wou ld be po ssibl e with stem-forms.
T hirdly , the se verb- forms are glossed together with the nouns which complete their meaning.
O bj ection s have been rai ed aga inst fhe argument that all lgbo verbs have an obligatory noun
complement; it has been sho wn, for exam ple. that the noun complements in some lgbo verbs are not
equival nt to Latin ac cusa tive (Uwa laka, 1983 ). Still. as the evidence of this dictionary shows. Igbo
verb ac tually appear in the following form ats:
a) independent forms laa = go; go home
b) conditional forms i) laa di = get married
ii) laa n'Iyi = go to waste
iii) laa elu = rise
Quite as importantly, then, there are Igbo verbs that never appear as independent forms ; there are
verbs ( e.g. gbaa or kwaa) which attain their full semantic form only in the presence of a noun
complement. These forms have a phone-semantic core of meaning which can only be fully realised
in the actual presence of a noun complement. In this sense, the "verb", properly-speaking. is neither
-gbaa nor kwaa in isolation but the expression "gbaa (or kwaa) + complement", We do not know
enough about the phone-semantic basis of the Igbo language to make any serious detenninations as
to how these various verbal forms should be classified or grouped from a lexical point of view. What
is apparent on the present evidence is that the lgbo verb does involve a noun complement, although
that complement may be realised as a "null" in some instances. ' '

xiv
 Introduction
III these circumstances, this D ictionary lists lee and nee (= look); it also li ts the full forms,
lee nya, and nee anya . as well as other rela ted forms (Iee/ree = be effective (of medicine. charm]'
leeJree = sell; leeJree = rot and le ree = burn). It also lists simi larly constructed forms : baa anya;
c.aa aoya: daa anya; baa aoya; kaa aoya; kpuo anya; r~a anya; roo anya; aa anya; taa an ya;
waa an ya; and wee anya .
Finally. the dic tionary has avoided sub-classifying erbs as tran itive or intransitive; as auxiliary,
complementary, relational or copulative. These labels do not directly affect the le ical enterprise,
alth ou gh they enable s tuden ts of ot her languages to recognise in what ways Igbo differs from the
langua ges they alrea dy know. The so-called auxiliaries ( di ga, ka, ma, na ) and copulas (b u, di, no and
wii ) are. in this context. better see n as verb forms that never take the direct positive imperative'
when they do they cease to be auxil iaries or co pulas in function ~ meaning. a situation not very
different from that of the so-called compound erbs (e.g. dapuo [<daa + puo] = fall + ha e a gap or
ope ning) in which. for the positive imperative, the end-verb carries the appropriate inflectional ending.

English-Igbo index
Part Two ofthe dictionary is the English-Igbo Inde x. This index has been generated from the English-
word meaning field ofthe main Igbo dictionary da tabase. It is strictly an index. For example, the Igbo
entry, agba (with variations in tone) generates th e following English equivalent entries in the index:
~ appointrnent~ £bin; k.QlQ[; contract; covenant; epoch ; fork of road ; indjgence;~; leucoderma;
Wlin; ~; schedule; skin dis ease: swelling; testament; ~; and ~. Similarly, under English
"whip:' for example, rea ders will find Igbo equi valents: agba: agba osisi: agbala aja; anya acii;
ana: aiiu; apipiJl' ekwe: nail; itari~ mkpisi~ okpili; and iitali. Every English word. then. for which
there is an equivalent word or phrase in lgbo will appear as a headword. What the index does not do,
however is attempt to be a key to translating particular English words into Igbo.

History of the Dictionary

This Dictionary began as an attempt to implement an idea (Echeruo, 1972) . It sought to take advantage
of the highly structured nature of the Igbo language to develop some general rules by which all two-
and three-syllable words - from aba to iiziizu: from bau to ZUzU6 - might be generated. The resulting
w rdl ist wo uld then be ubj ected to inten sive field review to determine which of the words generated
in the ex ercise existed in the lgbo lexicon. The task of developing those rules continues: but it became
clear ov er the years that the cons truction of rules requi red to define the structure of poly-syllabic lgbo
wo rds was a maj or undertaking in itself. Because the law of word-formation and combination in 19b
are yet to be fully understood, more nonsense words were being generated than .eerned reasonable
to use as research base. Moreover. even if satisfactorily completed, the list would not sub uanually
obviate the need to compile a wordlist oflgbo using fairly traditional lexicographic methods. By 1993
I had to suspend wo rk on that aspect of the project.
There can be no do ubt now tbatthe grammarof lgbo will eventually be better revealed through
a fuller unde rstandin g o f its ph o ne -se man tic morphology. In my viev . the uccess of any
com pre hen ive standardisatio n initiative. and even the via bility ofany effort to invent new words tor
modem conditions, will depe nd on how closely any formulations in that regard conform to. or at lea t
acknowledge, the word-and meaning-making habits ofthe lgbo language. for example. vowel harmony
has beco me a sta ple of our des cription of the Igbo sound system. Standardising the language by
invoking the vowel harmonising principle will, in ODe simple step, remove one large area of uncertainty
not only in the lexicon, but also in the exceptions that must be: made to many a rule of syntax or
phon o logy. But that step cannot yet be taken because not enough theoretical work has been done to
dete rm ine the ex tent to which har mony, includi ng recently proposed principles of " conso nant
harmony". pre-determines semantic and yntacti c viability in lgbo ; or to explain why certain
barmonissing sequences, but not others. are permitted within the language's lexicon. The most
im portant studies' touching o n vowel harmony sinc e Carnochan's (1960) mostly address the mode

xv
 l1.L...llli --'~.....,...'.~

Igbo Dictionary

and place ofproduction for the two groups ofvowels . But the logic by which combinations of certain
consonants and vowels are validated appears mostly neglected. A generated word-list could , therefore,
still provide us with a bank of information that will help us better understand how lgbo works by
displaying the thousands oflogically-possible segments which have not made it into the Igbo lexicon.
On present evidence, the reason for their exclusion appears to be largely phono-semantic.
A dict ionary is always work-in-progress. Each new day brings to mind a new word or phrase;
or a better understanding of an existing entry. The work of comp iling a comprehensive dictionary of
Igbo will, therefore, never ever end. It is my earnest hope that thi dictionary will serve as the basis
for even better, more accurate , and more comprehensive record 0 f the word- hoard ofthe Igbo language .

xvi

- I - - . . , - - - -- - ,
 Acknowledgements
The preparation ofthis dictionary has been more time-conswning than might have been the case,
mainly because I chose, as a matter of principle, to enter and edit every entry and gloss myself. The
days and years spent on the keyboard have, however, not been entirely needless; for this work with
all its deficiences is truly my little labour of love. I have nobody to blame for any inaccuracies but
myself. But I have many people to thank for encouragement and assistance. Among them, I may
make special mention ofthe following:

Chief Philip Edomobi of Umunwno, whose comments on a.draft of the dictionary saved me from
many blunders; Prof. Eugene L Nwana ofNnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, and his father,
Chief B . Egwuatii Nwana ofAwka, for a detailed review of the dictionary especially as it related to
Oka culture; Dr. Paul C.lheakararn, Dean ofthe School ofArts and Hwnanities, Alvan Ikoku College
ofEducation, Owerri, who read through the entire dictionary at its earliest stages. and helped coordinate
my data collection efforts; Mr Ogbolue of lsele Uku, Delta State. Nigeria, with invaluable material
from the West Niger area; Arc. Matthew Nwachukwu now oflmo State University, Owerri, Nigeria,
who was my first assistant on the project; Dr. P. A. Ezikeojiaku of Imo State University, Owerri,
Nigeria, for guidance with tone marking; Dr. Omen Maduka-Durunze of Abia State University, Uturu ,
Nigeria, the leading authority on Igbo phono-semantics, for many hours of invaluable discussion;
Prof. Chukwuma Aziionye, of the University.of Massachusetts, Boston, for making available to me
his transcriptions of epic poetry from the Ohafia and Bende areas ; Prof. Rornanus N. Egudu, of the
University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria (formerly Education Attache at the Nigerian Mission in
Washington), for his close review of some of the glosses and entries in their earl iest forms; Chief
Solomon Amadiume, Eze-Ideyi of Nnobi (and author of two reference works on Igbo customs) for
expert assistance on Igbo proverbs and culture; Prof. Chukwuma Azuonye of the University of
Massachusetts for permission to use material from his unpublished collection of epic poetry from the
Item-Ohafia-Bende area; Prof. Ononye Tess Onwueme of the University of Wisconsin at Eau'Claire,
Illinois, for help with many West Niger dialect words; Prof. Emma N. Obiechina who shared his
wealth of information on Igbo culture, and especially on Igbo fish-lore with me : Dr. Donatus Ibe ,
Department of Agronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, whose help was invaluable in tracking
down the botanical names oflgbo plants; Prof. Ebo Ubahakwe of the University of lbadan, Nigeria,
my first resource associate on the project, who has continued to offer moral support to the project;
Mr. 1. A. O . Umeh of the Department of Linguistics, Alvan lkoku College of Education, Owerri,
Nigeria, who so generously gave of careful and sensible judgment; Mr. Ezekiel Oyouwa ofAmaediaba
Nkpa, Abia State, Nigeria, whose knowledge of Igbo history and culture clarified many an intractable
problem; Mrs Ihuoma Emejiiaiwe of Alvan lkoku College of Education. Owerri, who helped with
matters relating to women; my nephews and nieces, Emeka, Ifeanyi, Adamma, Uzoma, and Obinna
Echeruo who spent many hours spotting missing items from the dictionary; and my brother, Sen.
Emeka P. Echeruo, and his wife, pr. Chinelo U. Echeruo, for many months of service as couriers and
inform ants.

1wish especially to thank my wife, Dr. Rose N. Echeruo, and our children -Ike, Oke , Ijeorna,
Chinedu, and Ugonna - who served as the sounding board for every improbable Igbo word or phrase,
and who appear to have survived the experience.

I am particularly grateful to Syracuse University for the time and facilities made available to
me in the course of this work.

Michael J. C. Echeruo
14 March, 1997

xv ii
 Igbo Dictionary

Bibliography

Adams,R.F.G.
1932 A Modern Ibo Grammar. London : Oxford University Ptess .
Afigbo, A. E. 00.
1995 F. C. Ogbalii and the Igbo Language. Onitsha, Nigeria: University Publishing Co.
Anagbogu, Philip N.
1990 The Grammar ofIgbo Nominalisations. Onitsha , Nigeria: University Publishing Co.
Anagbogu, P. N.
1995 "F . C. Ogbalu and Igbo Lexicon." In F. C. Ogbalii and the Igho Language. A. E. Afigbo, ed.
Onitsha , Nigeria : University Publishing Co. Pp. 181,- 185
Armstrong, R. G.
1967 A Comparative Word List of Five Igbo Dialects. Occasional Publications, no. 5. Ibadan:
Institute of African Studies, University oflbadan, Ibadan, Nigeria .
Carnochan,J.
1960 "Vowel Harmony in Igbo". African Language Studies I: I55-163.
Carrell, Patricia L.
1970 A Transformational Grammar ofIgbo . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Clark. Mary M.
1990 The Tonal System ofIgbo. Publications in African Languages and Linguistics. Providence,
'RI : Foris Publications .
Echeruo, Michael J. C.
1972 "The Future ofIgbo Studies : A Very Modest Proposal". In Igbo Language and Culture . ed.
F. C. Ogbalu and E. N. Emenanjo. vo\. 21badan: University Press Ltd., pp. 228-237.
1995 'The Case-Tone Factor in Igbo Nouns" . AAP 43 (March. 1995)
Emenanjo,E.N.
1978 Elements ofIgbo Grammar. Ibadan, Nigeria: Oxford University Press.
1983 "Verb Derivational Morphology". In Readings on the Igbo Ve~·h . P. A. Nwachukwu. pp. 43-
59. Onitsha , Nigeria: Africana-Fep Publishers.
Emenanjo, E. N.; l. A. O. Umeh; and J. U.Ugoji, eds.
1990 Igbo Metalanguage: A Glossary ofEnglish-Igbo Technical Terms in Language, Literature.
and Methodology. vo\. 1 Ibadan: University Press Ltd.
Ezikeojiakii, P. A.
1989 Fonoloji na Utoasusu Igbo. Ibadan, Nigeria: Macmillan Nigeria Publishers Ltd.
Green, M. M., and G. E. Igwe
1963 A Descriptive Grammar ofIgbo. Berlin and London: Akademie- Verlag; Oxford University
Press.
Igwe, G. E., and M. M. Green
1970 A Short Igbo Grammar in the Official Igbo Orthography. Ibadan [Nigeria]: Oxford
University Press.
Ikekeonwu, Clara I.
1985 "Aspects of Igbo Dialectology: A Comparative Phonological Study of Onitsha and Central
Igbo Dialects." Journal of West African Languages 15 (October) :93- I09.
Maduka-Durunze, Omen N. .
1983-84 "lgbo ldeophones and the Lexicon." Journal ofthe Linguistic Association ofNigeria
2: 23-29
1991 "Phonosemantic Antecedents of Some Verbs in Igbo," Journal of West African
Languages 21: 105-115 . .-

XVJll
 Introduction

Ndukwe, Pat.
1995 " F. C. Ogbalii and the Standardisation ofIgbo Language." In F. C. Ogbalii and the Igbo
Language ed. A. E. Afigbo. Onitsha, Nigeria: University Publishing Company. pp. 201-213
NEROC.
1991 Quadrilingual Glossary ofLegislative Terms (English-Hausa-Igbo- Yoruba) . ed . Ayo Banjo
et al . Lagos: Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council.
Nnaji,H.L
1985 A Modern English-Igbo Dictionary. Asst. by G. C. Nnaji. Onitsha: Gonaj Books
Nwachukwu, P. Akujuoobi
1981 Towards an Igbo Literary Standard. London: Kegan Paul.
1983a "Towards a Classification of Igbo Verbs". In Readings 011 the Igbo Verb. P. Akujuoobi
Nwachukwu ed. pp. 17-42.
1983b "Inflectional and Non-Inflectional Affixes". In Readings on the Igbo Verb. P. Akujuoobi
Nwachukwu ed. pp. 61-77.
Nwacbukwu, P. Akujuoobi,ed.
1983 Readings on the Igbo Verb. Onitsha, Nigeria: Africana-Fep Publishers.
Ogbalu,F.C.
1962 Okowa Olcwu: Igbo-English/English-Igbo Dictionary. Onitsha, Nigeria: University
Publishing Company.
Ogbalu, F. C., andN. E. Emenanjo,ed.
1975 Igbo Language and Culture. vol. 2. Ibadan, Nigeria: Oxford University Press.
Oji,N.
1983 "Non-Finite Forms of the Verb," In Readings on the Igbo Verb. ed. P. A. Nwachukwu. pp.
79-97.
SPLIC. .
1977 Recommendations ofthe Standardisation Committee ofthe SPILC. vol. 1. 2nd ed. Onitsha:
SPILC
Thomas, Nortbcote W.
1969a Anthropological Report on the Ibo-Speaking Peoples ofNigeria (1913). Pt. 1I: English-Ibo
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Ubabakwe,Ebo.
1981 Igbo Names: Their Structure and Their Meanings. Nigerian Names, vol. 2. lbadan
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Uwalaka, A. A.
1983 "Some Problems Related to Igbo Verbal Studies". In Readings on the Igbo Verb. ed. P. A.
Nwachukwu, pp. 7-15.
Ward, lda C.
1941 loo Dialects and the Development ofa National Language. Cambridge: Heffner and Sons
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Welmers, Beatrice F., and Wm. E. Welmers
1968 Igbo : A Learner's Dictionary. Los Angeles, CA.: AfricanStudies Center.
Williamson, Kay
1972 Igbo-English Dictionary. Based on the Onitsha Dialect. Benin, Nigeria: Ethiope Publishing
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ed. Rhonda L. Hartell. pp: 269-336. Lanham: University Press of America.

xix
(

I
I

I
I
 Part I

Igbo-English
A Igbo-English
aba inya /I [LL HL] first hair on baby's head;
baby hair. var. aba nya; aMnii; aponli.
aba ono 11 [LL HH] cheek;jaw. var. agba ntl;
A agba onii.
abaca 11 [HHH] da y-old young chick; grower
chick; sometimes called "uriom" or "uyom".
A ,alph [H) 'First letter of the Igbo alphabet;
abaca 11 [LLL] 'sliced, dried cassava flueS;.-.
-open unrounded front vowel.
tapioca flakes; -salad made from tapioea,
a dem [L] this; this one - nke a = this one'
flakes. var. abaja. ·See "acica" = wafess,
obodo a = this town . ·See "ahii" = that; that
abada n [LLH] wax printed cloth; wax print;
one.
printed cloth.
a pm [H] 11; first person pronoun; 2it - A na-
abadaba ad] [HHHH] broad; flat or wide.
ekwu na = it is said that; J one (used in im-
abadaba n [LLLLJ narrow raffia-and-cotton
personal constructions) - Anaghieji abaliacii
cloth, the material from which men's tradi-
eghu ojii = one doesn't lookfor a black goat
tional pants or loin cloths were made.
~n~t .
abaja /I [LLLJ sliced cassava; tapioca flakes.
a-a excl [H-L] oh!; what!; exclamation of
var. abaca.
surprise.
abaje 11 [HHHJ (loan(?)) barrel.
aba adj [LH] flat; prone - dee ha aba = lav
them flat, - abaka /I [LLH] type of fish.
abakpa n [LLL] (Ioan(?)) market-town;origi-
aba n [HH] 'metal rod, bar or pin; 2forked pole,
nally name for section of lgbo town settled
used to support roofor scaffolding; ·' hook or
by Hausa traders and cattlemen; now found
staple. ·See "oke azu" = pole.
as specific place name for urban areas no
aba 11 [HH] bottle; glass container. ·See also
longer so-settled - Abakpa-Nike = the Hausa
"akarama," ekpem," "irom", and "01010".
quarters at Nike (near Enugu).
aba n [HL] short form of"aba-iceku", a type
abala 11 [HHH] iroko fruit. ·See "ilpo oji"" =
of tree. var. abaceku.
iroko fruit.
aba n [LL] 'branch ofa tree; lroadjunction;
abala 11 [HHLJ fowl meat, especially includ-
Jhouse corner. var. agba.
ing wing or leg. var. abara.
aba 11 [LL] open wound; sore with pus. *See
abala agidi n [LLH HHL] blanket; thick cover
"onya" = wound.
cloth worn to keep off the harmattan. var.
aba 11 [LL] I iron rod or metal bar; 2(sometimes)
abara agidi; abara ngidi; avara.ngidi.
short metal piece used to hold something
together; metal pin; staple. ...
abala ngidi n [LLH HHL] blankercthick
. cover
cloth worn to keep off the harmattan. var.
aba n [LL] house corner.
abara agidi; abala ngidi; aVaTa Dgidi.
aba n [LL] epoch or season; period oftime in
abalaba n [HHHH] food bowl imide of clay.
the past marked by very important events.
abali n [LLL] night; night-time - Abalidiegwu!
var. aba.
= night time is.frightening or mysterious. var.
aba n [LL] (Afikpo) masked spirit or mas-
abani; aoasi.
querade - oke aba = chief (or principal)
abafi n [LLL] climbing rope made from brush-
masquerade.
like plant var. apari.
aba aja n [HH HH] sand. ·See "uzuzu" = fine
abafi isi /I [LLL LL] dead of night; the pitch
sand.
darkness of night. var. abafi ishi .
aba aka n [LH HH] kindred; lineage.
abali-di-egwu " [LLL-L-HL] robbers; under-
aba aka n [LL HH] twig; tree-branch; var. ana
world gangs; whence. robbery - ndi abali-
aka.
di-egwu = men of the criminal underworld
aba ezi n [LH HH] road crossing; intersec-
usually operating by night: hence. robbers:'
tion var. agba iizo.
abali-di-egwu akariala = there's too much
aba iceku n [LL-LHH] leguminous tree, used
robbery.
as a fallow crop; (possibly) velvet tamarind
abam n [HLL] corner; edge.
(Dialum ~ineense).
3
( t a ~ ......._ ....
- ...,UiL•. - .- - •.-..-- - - - -- - - - -

Igbo Dictionary abiia

abana

abana 11 [LLL] water yam, a "bastard" spe- = long basket.

cies of yam. abo 11 [HH] 'box of wicker-work used as a
abani n [LLL] night; night-time. var. abali; coffin; -grave.
aiiasi abd 11 [LH] forest: plantation: wooded area of
abara n [HHL] fowl meat, usually including settlement: now found in place names - Abo
the leg or wing. var. abala. = Aboh. name of a commun ity in Mbaise clan.
abara n [HLL] threadworm. var. avara. aboca [abb oca] n [LHH] calico or similar
abara n [LLL] deep hole in the ground for kind of cloth; cotton cloth: Lit: white sheet
planting yam (in areas of Igboland where of cloth imported (originally) from Aboh.
yam-mounds are not in fashion). abogba idide n [HLL HLL] discarded or
abara agidi n [LLH HHL] blanket; thick cover molted skin of a worm.
cloth worn to keep off the harmattan. var. abokd 11 [HHH] crab: king-crab. var. abiikb,
abala ngidi; abala agidi; avara ngidi abonli n [LLHL] (Uzuakoli) first hair on
abara ngidi n [LLH HHL] blanket; thick cover baby's head: baby hair. var. aba mya; apiinli.
cloth worn to keep off the harmattan. var. aboo num [LHH] two: the number 2 - aboo =
abara agidl; avara ngidi; abala ngidi ova; ha aboo = both ofthem: aboo ezuola =
abazii n [HHL] gale; high winds accompany- two is enough: will do. vat: abiia; abiio.
ing a rain storm. aboo num [LHH] twice: second - ugboro aboo
abd n [HHH] alphabet; "A Be" - giiora m ABD = second time: ite aboo = two pots. var.
= recite the (Igbo) ABC/or me!. ahiia: abuo.
abia 11 [HLL] male person. abosi n [HHL] rear entrance to a house; back
abi n [HL] breed; stock; lineage: seed; gene. door.
)'Gr. abiilii; abiirii. abosi 11 [HLL] 'camwood tree; redwood tree,
abi n [LH] -a variety of yam, light yellow in used as cosmetic dye; -medicinal plant also
colour, with a thick bark; also called "ji Ita". used as chewing-stick for cleaning teeth
var. abi-i (D. l'Otunda). (Bl1phia uuidis:
abia 11 [HLL] 'ritual drum used during certain aboso 11 [LHH] cricket: insect of the grass-
festivals, esp. the New Yam (or Ahiajoku/ hopper family. var. abiizii; aviiyii; aviizii;
Fejioku) festival; -type of music (usually mbisi: mboso.
"ifie") played to the accompaniment of the abii 11 [HH] pus: yellowish discharge from
"abia" drum. *Music played during Fejioku infected wound or boil. var. avii,
festival. abii 11 [HH] cat; 'specifi cally, the bush-cat.
abiba 11 [HHL] 'plumage or feather, especially abii n [HH] 'belly; stomach; abdomen: intes-
of young bird; -hair; down. var. ab'ba. tines; entrails: -womb. var. afo: ahd.
abi'di 11 [HLL] kind of monkey. var . abiidii. abii n [HH] companion; comrade.
abigbo n [LHL] a traditional dance, usually abii 11 [HL] (Onica) hymn: psalm: song of
associated with Mbaise and northern Ngwa joy, especially one associated with religious
areas, and known for its vibrant but cultivated services; the word of choice for the Protes-
rhythms and biting (often indelicate) satiri- tant missions - Ahii oma = [Book of) Psalms;
cal lyrics. ndiabii> singers: musicians; choristers. VG/".
abi"i 11 [LHL] a variety ofyam, light yellow in ebu; avii. * See "ukwe = hymn, the word
colour, with a thick bark; also called "ji ita". favoured by the Catholic missions.
vat: abi. abii 11 [HL] armpit.
abi"i 11 [LHL] coin-currency formerly in use in abii n [LL] stock: breed; kindred. VGr. abiirii.
Igboland. abii 11 [LL] worm.
abirfka 11 [LLLH] roasted plantain. *See also abii ala 11 [HH LL] viper: adder. var. abii ani
"iikpoci" = plantain. abii ani 11 [HH LL] (Onica) viper; adder. var.
abisi 11 [HHL] stinging black ant. va,.. agbisi; abii ala; avu ana.
agbishi abiia 1111111 [LHH] two; the number 2 - abiia =
abb 11 [HH] long, oblong basket. *See "ukpa" two: ha abiia = both of'them: abiia ezuolu =

4
abua Igbo-English ada

two is enough; will do. var. aboo; abuo. ahirTha; aviirivii.

abua num [LHH] twice; second - ugboro abiia abiirii n [HLL] breed; stock; lineage; seed;
= second time; ite abiia = two pots. var. abOo; gene - abiirii iiioo = bad lineage or breed;
abuo. lineage with undesirable character traits.
abuba n [HHL] leaf; palm fibre. var. abiilii.
abuba n [HHL] 'plumage or feather.especially abiizii n [HHL] cricket; mole-cricket.
of young bird; 2hair; down var. abiba. aea 11 [LL] a kind of wooden gong.
ababa n [LLL] body-fat; fatty tissue; fat. var. aea iikii n [LH HH] a kind of magical show;
abtibara. according to Ogbalu, an ancient magical craft
abuba isi n [HHL HH] hair; locks . "of picking things from boiling oil".
abuba ji akpii n [HHL H HH] cassava slices.
var. abiibaji akwii. *See "abaca" = tapioca. aeala n [LLL] 'bamboo; giant grass; 2fish-trap
abiibanti 11 [HHHLL] cheekbone.jawbone, made from bamboo stakes. var. aeara.
abiibara n [LLLL] body-fat; fatty tissue; fat acanii n [LLL] blue bead.
var. abuba. aeara n [LLL] (Owere) fish-trap made from
abiibo n [HHH] egg yolk ; yolk; yellow inner bamboo.
part of an egg. var. abubu. aeara n [LLL] 'bamboo; giant-grass; 2ta11
abo.bo n [HHH] mashed yam. edible grass used (esp. in Umuahia area) in
abo.bo n [HLH] cooked vegetable dish . the preparation of soup. var. aeala.
abo.bii n [HHH] egg yolk ; yolk; yellow inner aeara ugo n [LLL LL] beautiful woman of
part of an egg. var. abiibo. stately carriage, robust like the prime young
abo.bo. n [HHH] abstinence; deliberate act of shoot of the ra~a-palm.
refraining from doing something in obedi- ad n [HH] 'pelvis; hip-joint; head of thigh-
ence to an injunction whether or not self-im- bone ; femur ; 2linesofthread worn by women
posed around the hip as ornament var. aciTi.
abubii n [HHL] I dry waste fibre ofchafffrom ad n [HH] pineapple. var. aeoo.
palm nut; dried fibrous remains of palm ael 11 [HH] rabbit -hole.
bunch that did not thrive; 2rag. ael n [HH] 'species of sasswood, also known
abiidii n [HLL] variety ofmonkey. var. abidi. as pink mahogany; -the seed ofthe "aci" tree,
abugho n [LHL] maiden; woman in her late used in making soup (Gossweilerdendron
teens or early 20's. var. agboghO; agbo.gho. balsamiten/m).
abo.ke n [HLH] chicken used for sacrifice; ael It [LL] haemorrhoids; piles.
shabby chicken not likely to survive, anyway. aclca n [LLL] (Onica) 'dried, sliced plantain;
abiiko n [LHH] crab; king-crab. var. aboko. dried yam haulm; 2w heat or corn bread; bis-
abiilii 11 [LLL] breed; stock; lineage; seed; gene cuit ; wafer ; more specifically, communion
- abiilii ojM = bad lineage or breed; lineage bread ; Jfoofoo from cooked, dried and pre-
with undesirable character traits. var. served cocoyam, to be eaten with beans, etc.
abiirii. during lean planting season, especially in Udi
abiilii akwo n [HLL] palm-fruit fibre; chaff area .
of the palm fruit dried after extraction ofoil. acica mbadamba n [LLL HHHHH] wafers;
*See "abiinbu" = chaff of palm-fruit. Lit: flat and wide yam flakes . *Usedto trans-
aboo 11 [LHH] two ; the number 2 - abiio = late "wafers" in Lev. 2.
Two; ha abilo = both ofthem ; abiioezuola = aeiTi n [HHH] head ofthigh-bone; femur; hip-
t\l'O is enough; will do. var. aboo; abiia. joint or pelvis . var. ad.
abiio Illlm [LHH] twice; second - ugboro abiio acill 11 [LLL] a variety of water yam.
= second time; ite ahiio = two pots. var. abOO; aeiri iba n [HHH HH] abscess.
abiio. acita n [LLL] chin .
abiio num [LHH] two; the number 2. aeoo n [HHH] pineapple. var . aci.
abiiribii n [HLLL] palm fruit fibre; fibre of ada ad) [HH] many .
the palm fruit dried after extraction ofoiL var. ada 11 [HH] fall; collapse; slip - odi okUko Itwe

5
 . _ - ~- - -

ada Igbo Dictionary afO

ada = it's 1I0t the chicken but the person adudu /1 [HLL] (Owere) insinuation.
chasing it about that gets to fall: Lit: the adudii /1 [HLL] iron tong used to pick up hot
chicken chaser owns thefall. objects from cooking po t.
ada n [HL) beetle whose larvae develop in afa /1 [HH] 'd ivination; consultation with dei-
dung which it is forever ferrying. ties regarding past or future events byvthrow-
ada /1 [LH) 'firstdaughterofa family ; daughter; ing and "reading" cowries. animal teeth.
female child; 2tenn ofendearment or courtesy coins. etc . as dice - g baa ala = foretell the
for a young woman., future: perform a divination; "oracle.
ada ani n [HHL] (Oguta) dust; earth; sand. afa n [HH] edible fruit : garden egg ; var: afiifa.
var. aja. "Short form of "a fii fa".
ada ani n [HH LL) room. afa n [HL] 'name; given name - ala obodo ==
ada us hi n [HL HL] (West Igbo) 'dung-bee- to wn 's name: baa afa = christen: name; 2pa_
tie; Lit: stinking beetle; 2dwarf; person of triarchal name; lineage: family line - ala III
extremely short stature. var. adakada . efuna = may my nam e never never be lost ;
ada uno n [LH HL] (Onica) oldestvnwa-ada", i.e. may 111)' family line continue through
or woman born into a kindred; usually a children; 'reputation; good name -mebie ora
married woman ofthe kindred. var. ada iilo . mmadii = defame somebody: ruin some-
*See "nwa ada" = woman married in her own body's reputation. var. aha.
kindred. afa n [LL] hair: beard - afa oni! = heard;
adaa adv [HHH] (Onica) never - Adaa eh moustache: Lit: hair around the mouth.
awo eli = One never eats toad; Toads are afa onu n [LL HH) (Onica) beard: moustache.
never eaten . var. adaghi; anaa; anaghi. 1'(/1'. aha onii; ava onu .
*short for "Adaghi .." = One doesn't ever afata n [HHH] kind of fruit .
are n [LL] cloth; dress; garment var. efe.
adaka n [HHH] variety of yam . afe isi 11 [LL HH) head-dress : Lit: cloth for the
adaka 11 [HHH) mole or dark mark, e.g . in the head. var. efe isi . *Sec "ogodo isi" == head
palm or hand . dress.
adaka 11 [HHH] a shortish rifle or gun; gun afere 11 [HHH] dish; plate; serving plate;
with sawed-offbarrel. *named after "adaka" modem crockery. \'Or. efere; afele.
= dwarfish person; baboon. afi azii n [HH HL) gill: organ used by fish for
adaka n [LHH] ape ; baboon; chimpanzee. breathing.
·See also "ozo" = gorilla. afia 11 [HHH] (Onica) 'market - uno afia =
adaka n [LHL] beetle; dung-beetle. var. shop: store; 2trade; business; commercial
adakada; ada usbi. activity - afia mmanii = oil trade; afia ajoka
adakada n [HLHL] I dung beetle; 2small crab . == business (trade) is quite bad. var. ahia.
adani 11 [HHH] small basket with fine eyes. afia 11 [HHH] loom; instrument for weaving
used for sifting, e.g. stone from rice. cloth.
adidi 11 [LLL] young female of birds; young afia iwu 11 [HHH HH) 'contraband; goods
hen; pullet - adidi okiiko = pullet, or young prohibited by law; "trade in banned or pro-
hell. hibited goods. var. ahia iwu.
adiele n [HHLH) 'mate; comrade; compan- aria olii 11 [HHH HH] festivities, held on a
ion; a person, often of about the same age , designated market day, to mark the "iwa-ji"
who is a companion and associate or com- harvest festival: market-day set aside in hon-
rade in any number of undertakings; a close our of farmwork.
friend and associate; 2father's name ofaffec- afifia 11 [HHHH) grass ; green leaf.
tion for a son; hence, father's companion. afifia 11 [HHHH) antelope (Sittltun~a).
adiko 11 [LLH] severe headache; migraine. arn 11 [HH] a variety of fresh water fish.
ado /1 [HL) species ofyam that grows on climb- arn 11 [HH] I belly; stomach; abdomen; entrails;
ing stems; sometimes called the "air yam" intestines; also womb - ara ukwu == pot-belly;
(Dioscoria spp.). afo anii = entrails ora slaughtered animal;

6
afO Igbo-English agadagba

'womb - nwa afo ya = a child other ....·omb; afiifii n [HHH] 'pain; suffering; tribulation;
afi) ime = pregnancy; -'condition affecting the 'punishment.
stomach - afo na-agba ya = he has a afiifii 11 [HHH] type of maggot or caterpillar
running stomach. var. ahd; abii. that feeds-on fruit. "See "ot(' = beetle.
afO n [HH] tube; tyre; any inner tubing made afiifii 11 [HLL] swollen and hardened scar.
from rubber or similar material- afo moto = afiilii 11 [LLL] bullet; iron shots for a dane gun.
1II0tortyres; afO taya = tyre tube. * A mean- amlii iizii 11 [HHH HL] metal shavings from
ing derived by analogy with "afo" = stom- iron-work; the sparks that rise from the anvil
ach, intestines. during metal work: also slag. smelt-waste.
afO n [HL] year., vat: afOlo iizii.
AfO n [LL] I third day of the 4-day Igbo week; afiirii arii 11 [HLH HH] fart; gas or wind
'market that holds on AfO day; 'personal emitted from the anus.
name. var. ahd. *Afo ukwu = main Afo mar- aga 11 [HH] needle; metal trap; threading nee-
ket/day; AfO nta = minor AfO market/day. dle. *cf. "agiu" = needle.
afO ime n [HH HH] pregnancy - 0 bu afo ime aga n [HH] thorny twining plant. *See "uke"
= she is pregnant; Lit: she is carrying a preg- = medicinal plant.
nancy. aga n [HH] (West Igbo) cup.
afO nta 11 [HH HL] small intestines; entrails. aga n [LL] la childless (unmarried") woman
afO obata n [HH LLL] (Onica) dysentery; of advanced years; a sterile or infertile
inflammation of the bowels followed by se- woman; sometimes a post-menopausal
vere diarrhoea. var. afO obara. woman - aga eji di. eji mm = the barren
afO obara n [HH LLL] (Owere) dysentery; woman has neither husband nor child; 'in-
severe diarrhoea. var. afOobala. fertility; barrenness. *cf. Yor: "agan" = bar-
afO oki"ka 11 [HH LLL] constipation; harden- ren woman.
ing of stool leading to difficulty in evacua- aga n [LL] fishing gear. including spear and
tion. net - aga azii = fishing spear: Littfish needle.
afOoma n [HH HH] goodwill or favour; kind- aga azii 11 [HH HL] fishing spear; Lit: fish
ness - Ilwee afii oma ebe m no = have good- needle.
will towards me. agaji 11 [LL H] high-yielding white yam. *See
afO ukwu n [HH HH] swollen stomach; dis- "ji aga" = variety of yam.
ease of the stomach. aga ngwii n [HH LL] crocodile; kind ofcroco-
afO iikwii n [HH HH] heel; the back of the dile.
foot. *See "ikili" = heel. aga nkwo n [LL HH] short-winged bird of
afOlO 11 [HHH] shavings from iron-monger- prey of the hawk family; kite.
ing. *See "afolo uzii" = iron shavings. agaba n [HHH] I razor blade; blade; 'sharp two-
afOlo iizii n [HHH HL] metal shavings from sided narrow knife used as surgical knife;
iron-work; the sparks that rise from the anvil lancet. var. agiiba; agoba.
during metal work; also slag, smelt-waste. agaba 11 [HHH] masquerade with the fierce
var. amlii iizii. aspect ofa lion ("agaba") from which it takes
am dem [HL] that; that very one. var. ahii. its name.
*Sometimes shortened to "a", as in "Ndi a" agaba n [HHH] a prickly plant.
= "Ndi am". agada 11 [HHH] sword with bent or curved
am n [HL] fart; gas or wind emitted from the end.
anus. var. abii. agada n [HHH] a kind offrog.
am n [HL] (loan) half, as in "half-penny." agada n [LLH] folding easy-chair.
*Full form is "afii peni", agada n [LLH] shrimp.
am onii n [LL.HH] * See "afa onii", agadaga adj [HHHH] huge; large.
amfa n [LHH] edible fruit from the "ofe" plant, agadagba n [HHHL] (Ohaozara) men's un-
smaller than the garden egg; used in prepar- derpants, woven from a mix ofcotton, grass
ing salads and other delicacies. and tree-bark, also called "nwa Igba" or

7
agadi Igbo Dictionary ago nkwo

"igba". *See "igba", var. agidi; agili; agi'ri.

agadi n [HHH] old person; a person of ad- agiri n [HHH] hair-agii'i"isi= hairofthehead:
vanced years - agadi nwoke na agadi nwanyi' lock.
= all old mall and an old woman. agiri 11 [LLL] 'iron ball used as shot; bullet;
agadigba 11 [HHHL] hard-dried cod-fish. lead or iron pellet; bird-shot; 'ball-bearing.
agafu n [LLL] burglar; thief. var. agidi; agiTi; agi'ni.
agala isi 11 [HHH HH] hair; hair on the head. agi'riga 11 [LHLH] (Owere) kindofspear. IW.
var. agara isi; agili isi. agiliga.
agalaba 11 [HLLL] 'tree branch; forked branch agirigada 11 [HHHHH] wry person; person
of trees; 2cross road, or road junction; 'sec- with dry. mocking humour.
tion or division of organisation, society or agogo n [HHH] (loant'Z)) metal gong.
other large group. var. ngalaba. ago n [HH] kind of spoon.
agalama 11 [LLLL] ripe. dry kola-nut. ago n [HH] outright denial; disclaimer; the
agalama n [LLLL] an animal said to be para- formal act of disassociating oneself from a
lysed by light. charge - goo agi) = deny. *See "agiigo" =
agale 11 [LHL] (West Igbo) animal fur. denial.
agam 11 [LLL] spear used in fishing. ago n [HH] herbal potion.
agam-evu 11 [HLH-LL] fancynameforakindof agoba 11 [HHH] I razor blade: blade; 2sharp two-
maggot with a particularly offensive odour; sided narrow knife used as surgical knife or
Lit: I won't carry (touch) it. lancet. var. agaba; aguba.
agama 11 [LLL] clitoris; small upper end ofa agofii n [HHL] liar; a person with a reputation
woman's genitalia. for never telling the truth.
Agana n [LLL] a title among the Osomarl agolo n [HHH] sticky sap of tree. or similar
people, taken by persons of considerable substance, used to trap birds; bird-line.
wealth. agolO 11 [HHH] species of fish.
agangwu 11 [HHLL] crocodile; kind ofcroco- agolO n [LLL] a kind of plant. var. agolii.
dile. ago ad} [HH] huge; powerful; Ut: tiger-sized;
agara isi 11 [LLL HH] hair; hair on the head. tiger-like in power.
var. agala isi. ago n [HH] farm,
agene n [I.,LL] (West Igbo) bamboo mat. ago 11 [HH] hawk; kite.
agidi 11 [LHH] cream of corn; blancmange ago 11 [HH] tiger; leopard; (inaccurately) chee-
made from guinea-corn. tah. *Often also used to mean "cheetah" and
agidi n [LLL] 'bullet; iron or lead pellet used "leopard".
as shot; birdshot; 'ball~bearing. var. agili; ago 11 [HL] 'namesake; one who shares same
agini; agiri. name. and (in some cases) the same guard-
agiga 11 [HHH] needle (threading); skewer; ian spirit from the spirit world. as another;
spike. rar. aga. 'spirit double; parallel incarnations of the
agiga 11 [HLL] corner; edge - nokeghe 11 'agi'ga same being; 'spirit of mischief; prankster
iilo = move over to the side (or corner) of spirit. *See ·'gi.io aha' = christen; cf. Egyptian
the house. var. aguga. "ka" (Yor: "Esu") = "spirit double".
agili 11 [LLL] 'iron ball used as shot; bullet; ago aba 11 [HH HH] lion. *See "agaba" = lion.
lead or iron pellet; bird-shot; 2ball-bearing. agu aba 11 [HH HL] razor blade; blade; sharp
var. agidi'; agini; agiri. two-sided narrow knife used as surgical knife
agili isi 11 [LLL HH] hair of the head; locks. or lancet. var. agiiba; agoba.
agili'ga n [HHHH] tattered basket; faggots; agii isi 11 [HH HH] disease of skin; scalp
thatch. infection.
agiTiga 11 [HLHH] (Onica) spear. var. agiriga. ago iyi n [HH HH] crocodile; large.
agi'ni 11 [LLL] kind of mat. amphibious. tropical reptile with thick scales;
agi'ni 11 [LLL] 'iron ball used as shot; bullet; Lit: river tiger.
lead or iron pellet; bird-shot; 2ball-bearing. ago nkwo 11 [HH HH] falcon; hawk; kite. var.

8
agii iino Igbo-English agba iizo

agli nkwii. agba 11 [LL] (West lgbo) indigence-daaagba

agii iino n [HH HL] gecko; house. or do- = become indigent: fall into indigence.
mestic lizard; also called wall-gecko agba 11 [LL] paint ;colour-agballhie= brown
(pfJOodacn'!us ~ecko) . (earth) colour.
agliba n [HHH] 'razorblade; blade; :sharp two- agba 11 [LL] rheumatism.joint swelling. *See
sided narrow knife used as surgical knife or "eguru",
lancet var. agaba; agoba. *properly, "agii agba n [LL] chapter.
aba". agba n [LL] fat.
agiiga 11 [HLL] corner; edge - nokeghe agba n [LL] epoch or season; period of time
11 'agiiga iifo = move over to the side (or cor- in the past marked by very important events.
ner) ofthe house. var. agiga. var. aba. *cf Yor: "igba or "ugba" = time .
agligo .n [HLH] . outright denial; disclaimer; agba n [LL] palm kernel.
the formal act ofdisassociating oneselffrom agba ahii n [HH HH] penis; male sexual or-
a charge - goo ago = deny. *See "ago" = gan.
denial. agba ahii n [HH HH] 'colour of the skin;
agiigo n [LLL] argument; objection; conten- complexion; -blotch or blemish on the skin.
tiousness; disputation - sie agiigo = challenge agba ala n [HH LL] cosmetic body marks cut
an opinion; contest an argument; adamantly around breasts or across stomach; scarifica-
hold-oil to an opposing opinion. tions on the body.
agiigii n [HHH] 'count; the act of counting - agba ala n [LH LL] lowerjaw. var. agba ani.
agiigii on;; = head count; census; 2reckoner agbaamimi n [HH LLL] (West Igbo) kind of
or counter. basket. var. iigbo amimi.
agilii n [HHH] 'hunger; starvation; 2desire. agba ani n [LH LL] lowerjaw. var. agba ala.
var. agiirii; agiiii. agba anya n [LL HH] eye-lid. VOl'. iku anya.
agiilU n [HHH] kind of plant. agba avii n [LH HL] armpit. VO l' . avii .
agiilU n [HHHlLLL] bush-cat. agba eli n [LL HH] upper jaw. var. agba elu;
agiilii n [HLH] thin oil. agba enu.
agiilii aro n [HHH HL] any disease that ap- agba elu n [LL HH] upper jaw. var. agba eli ;
pears to return to its victim every year; Lit: agba enu,
[disease] that counts a year [and returns]. agba enu n [HH HH] upland; sub-fertile farm-
*See "Ogbu n'orie" = disease that flares up land. ·See "igbo" and "ani' oca",
every four days. agbaenu 11 [LLHH] upperjaw. var. agbaelu;
agiirii n [HHH] 'hunger; starvation; 2desire. agbaeli.
VOl'. agiilii; agiiii. agba igwe n [HH HH] cloud; patches (lit:
agiiii n [HHH] 'hunger; starvation; 2desire. VOl'. blemishes) in the sky.
agiilii; agiirii. agba ilu 11 [HH HH] bitter kolanut; crunchy
agba 11 [HH] whip. bitter nut, often served with. or as a substi-
agba n [HH] species of hardwood tree. tute for kolanut. var. akii ilu . ·See "ugugolo"
agba n [HH] totem in the shape of a pillar; a = bitter kola .
phallus symbol. agba mmiri 11 [LL HHH] blister; skin condi-
agba n [LL] 'appointment; schedule; tryst - tion caused by burn.
yie agba = fix an appointment; set a date; agba na uce 11 [LL L HL] anxiety ; worry; Lit:
2contract; covenant; pledge - Agba ode = Old appointments and much thought.
Testament; kwee agba = enter into a contract agba nti 11 [LL HH] cheek;jaw. var. aba ono;
or covenant; make a solemn pledge. agba onii .
agba 11 [LL] chin; jaw. var. aba. agba oruma 11 [LH LLL] bone disease.
agba n [LL] skin disease; leucoderma. agba osisi 11 [LL HHH] whip; twig used as
agba 11 [LL] branch; fork of road - agba iizo whip. var. agba. *See ';agbala aja" = whip.
= point where road branches out in several agba iizo 11 [LH HH] road crossing; intersec-
directions. tion. var. aba ezi.

9
 agbaa anii Igbo Dictionary agbo

agbaa anii /I [LL HH] idiot; stubborn per son . ried woman . usuall y with man y children; a
agbada 11 [HHH] flat fryin g pot. woman of power. "Shortened as "agbala" ,
agbada Il [HHH] two-edged carving knife . agbalagada /I [HHHHH] (Onica) thunder.
agbada /I [HHH] barn; outdoor storehouse for agbale 1/ [LLLL] (West Igbo) special cloth
farm and garden produce. worn by women in their first pregnancy.
agbadi 11 (1oan('.')) kind of a dance. *Also called "ipeteri" = fertility cloth.
agbadi 11 [HLL] (loan('.')) thick.low-quality oil. agbalumo 1/ kind of herb used in the rituals
agbagadii adj [HHHH] large and crooked - associated with "Ogbanje" (ChITSO()hl'f1/1n1
agbagadii mpi = large and crooked hams albidlllll ).
(e.g. ofram ). agbara /I [HLL] demon : evil spirit. var.
agbagba nti 11 [HHH LL] cheek; cheek bone. agbala.
agbagha n [LLL] animal skin or hide; leather. agbara 1/ [HLL] kind of bean with sharp
agbagha iikwii Il [LLL HH] sandal; shoe; Lit : prickly hair.
leather covering for the foot. agbara agba 1/ [LLL LH] pottage, made of
Agbagwii Il [HHL] 'fortnightly market at shelled breadfruit seeds and cooked in a sauce
Uzuakoli, reputed to be the largest slave of peppers and dried fish .
market in the Bende area of Igboland - na agbara agba 11 [LLL LH] loose-fitting tailored.
mgbe mbii. obii Btanko bii og e ukwu karia mostly women' s. dress. often touching the
Agbagwu = at first. Bianco was a larger ankles.
market than Agbagwii t Omeniiko t ; !a agbara am 11 [HHH HHH] cake made from
monthly market-day festival in the Uzuakoli? ground and spiced melon seed. wrapped with
Mbaano/Etiti area market by lavish entertain- leaves in sm all pellets. and steamed till done.
ment for in-laws. and other visiting guests; it *See "nwa nru" = melon seed.
has no links with the slave market. *Actually, agbasa /I [LLH] (Onica) left-over food .
"agba agwii", so-named after the mighty agbata 11 [LLL] border: boundary ; neighbour-
"agba" tree on the site. consecrated to the hood - agbata ohi = neighbour. one whose
powerful deity, Agwi.i. "obi " or main house. is next-door; a st one
agbala n [HHH] hairy seed. throwaway.
agbala 11 [HLL] (Onica) generic name for a agbata ekwu n [LLL HH] health . *See "ekwu"
spirit or deity; spirit; demon-deity. va r. = hearth .
agbara. agbata obi 11 [LLL HL] neighbour.
Agbala 11 [HLL] (Onica) name of an oracle agbata iikwii 11 [LLL HH] groin: Lit: the space
dedicated to the Agbala deity, a ruthless and between the legs .
unforgiving deity, often associated with both agbe n [LL] calabash ; gourd. var. agbele.
Awka and Nri. agbele 11 [LLL] calabash or gourd; float. var.
agbala 11 [LLL] (Onica) four-cornered seat, agbe.
or chair. agbidi 11 [HLL] box; container.
agbala 11 [LLL] 'community; 2hall used for agbirigba n [HHHH] small pod-bearing grass.
communal meetings by either men or agbishi n [HHL] stinging black ant. var. abisi;
women. agbisi.
agbala 11 [LLL] (Onica) 'adult man who has agb'isi 11 [HHL] stinging black ant. var. abisi;
not taken any title; 2a woman ofpower; hence. agbishi.
a he-woman; a "strong". well-to-do. married agbo n [HH] 'v om it: sickness; :disgust. var.
woman. usually with many children - Agbala agboo; agbii .
di Jla ejelii ozi = well-to-do woman with a agbo 11 [HH] cord : rope tor climbing: var. agbii.
husbandfor errand boy. agbd 11 [HH] palaver; tangle; minor quarrel.
agbaJa aja 11 [HLH HH] whip. var. agba. *See agbo 11 [HH] cloth used as cover or spread over
"agba osisi" = whip. something: blanket: sometimes, table cloth.
agbala nwanyi n [LLLHL] well-to-do, mar- agbo n [HH] fore st.

10
agbo Igbo-English agwa etiti

agbo n [LL] calabash; gourd from which cala- agha n [HH] (Onica) battle ; war. var. aba;
bashes are carved. aya.
agbo 11 [LL] breed; seed or gene; stock ; ge- agha 11 [HL] instrument used in weaving; spin-
netic trait; genetic characteristic - ezigbo agbo dle.
Ilwanyi! ajo agbii eghu = womanfrom a good aghaa 11 [LHH] manner; condition - 0 di
(breeding) stock; bad goat stock. aghaa? = in what condition is he? how is he?
agbogho 11 [LHL] maiden; woman usually in I'a,.. aoaa.
her late teens or early 20's. var. abiigho; aghala 11 [LHH] wastrel: rascal; good-for-
agbiigho; agboghii-obia. nothing person ; vagabond; neer-do-well.
agbijgho mmiid n [LHH LHH] mermaid; spirit VOl'. aghara .
maiden. aghara 1/ [LHH] confusion; disorder; pande-
agbogho obia n [LHH HLL] maiden; young monium. va,.. aghala.
woman. var. abiigho; agboghO; agbiigho. aghara 11 [LLL] wastrel; rascal; good-for-
agbokili n [HHHH] armlet. nothing person; vagabond; neer-do-well.
agboli n [HHL] impotence. var. agboni. va,.. aghala.
agbolo n [HHH] echo. agbara aghara adv [LHH LHH] randomly;
agbolO n [LLL] species ofmango, used as soup indiscriminately.
thickener. mr. agbono (Irvillgia gabol1ell- aghirigha n [HHHH] 'crumbs; pieces; 2husks
sis). . ofpalm fruit left after nuts are extracted.
agbologada 11 [HHHHH] molar ; back teeth aghiri"igha 1/ [LLHL} confusion; rascality.
used in grinding. va,.. agbiiliigam. agho 11 [HH] iguana; monitor. var. aghii.
agbon'i n .[HHL] impotence. var. agboli. agho 11 [HH] rancidity; staleness; rancid taste ,
agbono n [LLL] species of mango, used as e.g. that of food left overnight; SOUT. *cf.
soup thickener. var. agbolo (lrvingia 'labo- "uka": "ola"; "ura" = sourness, staleness.
osusis). agho n [HL] cunning: craftiness: deceit; trick-
agboo 11 [HHH] vomit. ery - gllijo agllii = p lay tri cks or pranks;
agbii n [HH] 'rope worn around the waist and deceive through cu nning. \ '0 1'. aghiigho .
wound round the ankles when climbing; agho ufu 11 [LH LL] bribe; bribery ; ea y or
2cord; rope used as fetters. var. agbo. improper profit from a deal. VOl'. aghii ufu ,
agbii n [HH] sore with pus. aghii 11 [HH] iguana ; monitor. crocodile. mr.
agbii n [HL] 'vomit; sickness; 2disgust. VOl'. aghO.
agbO; agboo. aghii ufu 11 [LH LL] bribe; bribery; easy or
agbii n [HL] gum of tooth. improper profit from a deal. I'Qr . agho ufu .
agbiigba 11 [LLL] 'plate, basin or other con- aghiighii n [HLL] cunning: deceit: trickery;
tainer made from light metal (often iron) and fraud; craftiness - ghiio aghiigho = play 'rich
used in the kitchen and elsewhere; 2zinc roof- or pranks: deceive through cunning.
ing sheet; metal roofing: var. iigbiigba. agwa 11 [HH] shade: area under shade.
agbiigba n [LLL] conspiracy; treachery. agwa 11 [HH] fever, with loss ofappetite: !state
agbiigbo n [HHH] dust-bin; refuse dump; of mental depression or anxiety.
dump yard. agwa 11 [HL] 'eczema; leucoderma: skin-dis-
agbiigbo n [LHL] bark.hardskin, var. mbiibo; ease: !measles. \'al'. iigwa : iigwo .
mgbiigbo. agwa 11 [LL] beans: black-eyed beans.
agbiigho n [LHL] maiden; woman usually in agwa n [LL] kind; sort.
her late teens or early 20's. var. agbOgho; agwa n [LL] 'character; manners; temper;
agbogho obia; agbogho. conduct - agml iiil1a = good behaviour; ex-
agbiiliigam n [HHHHH] (Oka) molar; back emplary character; -habit.
teeth used in grinding. var. agbOlogada. agwa agwa 11 [LH LL) spotted: pied; parti-
agbiirii n [HHH] (Bende) cassava flour. var. coloured; having a patchwork of colours.
akpii. agwa etiti 11 [LL LHL) island - ruo agba etiti
agbiirii n [LLL] kindred; lineage; gene stock. 111a = reached u small island (Acts 27: 16) .

JI
 agwata Igbo Dictionary aho

agwata n [HHH] bush-cat. child after divination, showing the god or

agwi n [HL] kind of hoe. var. agwu . other agency involved in its birth; e.g. Nwa-
agwo 11 [HH] generic name for snake; serpent. agwii; Nwa-cukwu: Nwa-amadi = son of
agwo n [HH] 'raffia; raffia-fibre; 2head-pad Agwii, Cukwu, or Amadi. *Also known as
made from raffia. var. ngwo (Raphja "aha ci" = name of destiny.
vjnifera). '. ahaba n [LHH] velvet tamarind, a leguminous
agwo eghu n [HH HH LLL] black cobra, a very tree, used mainly as fallow crop to restore soil
poisonous snake; Lit: the goat-snake. var. fertility (Acit/a bate";: Dialium f:llilleense).
eghu anya obara; agwo ewu (Naja mela- *Known in some areas as "iceku" or
nolellca Hq/D. *See "ubi" and "agwo anya "ohambe",
obara". ahara oca n [HHH HH] large white variety of
agwo ewu n [HH HH LLL] black cobra, a very crayfish.
poisonous snake; Lit: the goat-snake. var. ahiara n [HHHH] giant leaf grass .
eghu anya obara; agwo eghu (Nqja mela- ahHgba n [LHHL] osimon plant.
lIoleuca HalD. *See "ubi" and "agwo anya ahia 11 [HHH] 'market - iilo ahia = shop ; store;
obara", 2trade; business: commercial activity - ahia
agwo nkwii n [HH HH] centipede; sometimes, mmanii = oil trade; ahia ajoka = business
millipede. (trade) is bad. var. afia,
agwo iilo 11 [HH HL] gecko; wall-gecko; liz- "hia iwu 17 [HHH LH] 'contraband; goods
ard usually found around the house . prohibited by law; 2trade in banned or pro-
agwii 11 [HL] carved representation ofa deity; hibited goods. var. aCia iwu.
fetish; idol; totem. ahia ogwe 17 [HHH HL] evening market;
Agwii 11 [HL] a deity; god of madness. market that does not begin until late after-
agwu 11 [HL] (West Igbo) kind of hoe. vor. noon.
agwi. Ahiajokii 11 [LLLHH] 'Yarn god; 2NewYam
agwii nkwo 11 [HH HH] kite. Festival; an annual harvest festival marking
agwo Bsi 11 [HL LL] god of evil (poison); the formal harvest of the new yam , and pay-
patron spirit of quacks and fortune. tellers. ing tribute to the Yam god. I'W' lfejioku;
"Fortune-tellers had to have an "agwu-isi"; Fejioku.
even if they did no evil. ahiara 11 [HHHH] 'name ofa market; Lit: mad
agwugwa n [HLH] a riddling game; riddle or people 's market; i.e. market with an unusu-
conundrum. var. gwam-gwa gwam. ally high number of people with mental prob-
aha 11 [HH] (Arocukwu) war; battle. var. agha; lems; -name of a community; place name -
aya. Ahiara = community ill Mbaise .
aha 11 [HL] name ; given name - aha obodo = ahihla Il [HHHH] leaf: grass: weed.
town's name; goo aha = christen; name - ahihla ofe n [HH] leafofthe "ofe" plant, used
reputation; good name ; Jlineage; family line; in soups and other foods: the plant produces
people who go by the same patriarchal name the "afufa" fruit. a small. delicious relation
- aha m efula = may my never never be lost; of the garden egg. var ofe.
i.e. may my family line continue through ahihi'ara 11 [HHHH] wild okra, a long-fruited
children. var. aCa. jute plant. var. ahtihara (C. olitorius ). *Same
aha ci n (HH L] a sacred name given a child as Yoruba "oyo" = wild okra.
after divination, showing the god or other ah ihi'ara 11 [HLHHH] edible fern with highly
agency involved in its birth; e.g. Nwa-agwu; viscous sap.
Nwa-cukwu; Nwa-amadi = son of Agwu , ahiri 11 [HHH] column ; line; row; queue.
Cukwu, or Amadi. *Also known as "aha ahiri' 11 [HLL] fart: gas - nviio aMi/lli = fart;
iiwa" = earthly name. pass gas or wind from the ( II/ /lS. var. ahiirti.
aha onu 11 [LL HH] (Owere) beard; mous- ahi'riha 11 [HHHH] chaff from dried fibre of
tache. var. aCa ono; ava onu. palm fruit. var. aburibu: aviiri'vti .
aha iiwa 11 [HL LL] a sacred name given a aho 11 [HH] (Enugu) 'belly; stomach; intes-

12
aho Igbo-English ajirija

tine; stomach; 'womb: va,.. am; abii. aja ana 11 [HH LL] earth shrine. var. aja-ani;
aho 11 [HL] year. var. am ; arb, aja-ala.
Abo n [LL] (Afikpo) 'third day of the 4-da y aja ani 1/ [HH LL] (West Igbo) male cricket.
Igbo week; ' market that holds on AfO day. aja uke 1/ [LL LL] sacrifice to ward offfuture
var . Am. disaster by keep ing evil spirits at bay . *See
ahii dem [HL] that; that very one - onye ahii " uke" = hard ship .
= that ve,:v person. var. afii . *Sometimes ajaba /l [HHH] (Afikpo) area reserved for
shortened to "a", as in "Ndi'a" = "Ndi ahu ". principal actors in a masquerade for storing
ahii n [HH] (Bende) melon; climbing plant equipment and changing costumes; tiring
that produces flat-bodied edible seeds. area .
ahii n [HH] hair or body air. var. ashi. ajadu 1/ [LLL] (West lgbo) 'widow. especially
ahii n [HL) fart; gas or wind emitted from the if widowed in her youth: young widow ; 2a
anus . var. arii. young widow who does not elect to be inher-
ahii n [LH] body; body surface or skin ; flesh. ited. or to have a steady lover , but instead
var. arii; esbu. accepts men as sex partners as she pleases;
ahii ekere n [LH HHH] groundnut; peanut. ( In an extended sense) harlot.
ahii ike n [LH HH) good health ; health or well- ajadu 11 [LLL] (Onica) widower; Also ajadu
being. nwoke
ahii nwanyi 11 [LH LL] vagina; private part s ajaghija 11 [HHHH] ceremony (especially in
of a woman's anatomy. Oka) whereby prospective title takers are
ahii okii 11 [LH HH] fever; high body tem- presented to current title holders ; perform-
perature associated with illness; Lit: hot (or ance ofthis ceremony is a mini-title in itself.
warm) body. var. arii okii. ajakpa 11 [HLH] woman with pronounced
ahii onii n [LL HH] beard; moustache; Lit: masculine features .
mouth hair. ajali 11 [HHH] 'rust: 'red earth. var. ajara;
abiihara 11 [HHHH] wild okra, a long-fruited ajari.
jute plant var. ahihiara (c. olitorius). *Same ajara n [HHH] I rust - tua a/am = become rusty;
as Yoruba "oyo" = wild okra. 2 red earth. var. ajali; ajari.

ahiihii n [HHH] pain; punishment; suffering. ajari 11 [HHH] 'rust; 2red earth. rar. ajara;
var. afiifii. ajali.
ahiihii 11 [HHH] insect; maggot; ant var. ajata 11 [HHH] fly-whisk .
ehuhu;esusu;ariirii. ajl 11 [HH] hair, excluding human body hair;
abiibii 11 [HLL] fart; gas - nyuo ahiihii = fart; animal hair; fur.
pass gas or windfrom the anus. var. ahiirii . ajl 11 [HH] part of a carcass.
abiirii 11 [HLL] fart; gas or wind from the anus. aji 11 [HL] tree with malleable bark which can
var. ahiirii. be turned into wool-like strings.
aja n [HH] I earth, and its various loose forms : ajl agba 11 [HH LL] beard ; Lit: hair ofthe chin!
sand, soil, dust, and mud; but excluding such Jaw.
solid forms as gravel, stone or rock ; 2wall; ajl anii n [HH HH] wool; Lit: animal hair .
earthen wall. vat". iiza; ada ani. aji iku 11 [HH LL] eye lash ; hair lining the
aja 11 [HH] species of tree . eyebrow.
aja n [HH] wooden clappers used as a musical aji"i 11 [HL] antidote; something taken to coun-
instrument; cymbal. * See "kponkpo" = teract the effect of a poison or other power-
wooden 'clappers. ful potion.
aja n [LL] oblation; offering; sacrifice - aja aji"i n [HLL] waist-band; belt.
Masi = sacrifice ofthe Mass . aji"i 11 [LHH] crocodile.
aja 11 [LL] 'large premiwn-quality freshwater ajilija 11 [HHHH] pebble; fine stone. var.
fish of the same family as "asa"; 2shark. ajlrlja
*"When he went fishing, he caught only asa ajirija 11 [HHHH] pebble: fine stone. var .
and aja". Nwapa, Efuru. ajilija.

13
ajirija Igbo Dictionary aka ngo

ajilija 11 [HHHH] sweat; body sweat. var. aka aboo 11 [HH LHH] two-handed stool.
aj"ir"ija; aziriza aka abuo 11 [HH LHH] double-dealing: steal-
ajirija n [HHHH] sweat; body sweat. var. ing; theft.
ajilija; aziriza aka afii 11 [LH HL] previous year var. aka ;
ajo ad] [HH] bad; faulty. aka ahii .
ajo ad) [HH] 'bad; not right - ajo uzo = bad aka ahia 11 [HH HHH] the first sale supposed
road: ajo nri = ajo nri = tasteless or 1111- to bring luck (or ill-luck) for the rest of the
appetisingfood; "hurtfuL unkind; discourte- day .
ous - ajo okwu = unkind, hurtful or dis cour- aka ahii 11 [LH HL] previous year. var. aka;
teous speech/words; 3evil or forbidden - ajo aka afii.
oMa = sacred or evilforest. *"Ajo" always aka azii 11 [HH LH] bribery; dishonest deal-
precedes the noun it modifies. ing .
ajii n [HH] pillar of house. aka ebe 11 [HH HH] testimony; witness.
ajii n [HH] 'head-pad made from leaves or aka ebe 11 [LL HL] flying ant yam-eating bug .
cloth; pad serving as stand for wine keg; 'gir- aka ekere 11 [HH HAH] groundnut. var. aha
dle ; Jsmall bundle or roll. e.g. of vegetable. ekere.
ajii n [HH] crocodile. var. ajii-iyi. aka ekpe 11 [HH LL] left hand; Lit: leopard 's
ajii n [HL] dizziness; epilepsy; giddiness. hand; southpaw's hand. vat: aka Ikpa; aka
ajii n [HL] consolation. ibite.
ajii ala n [HH LL] puff-adder; homed viper. aka enwe 11 [HH LL] deceit; foul play.
var. ajii-ani. aka en we 11 [HH LL] 'left hand; "southpaw.
ajii ani" n [HH LL] puff-adder; homed poi- 1'01'. aka Ikpa.

sonous viper. var. ajii ala (Bits oiistanss. aka ibite 11 [HH LLH] left hand - aka ibite =
ajii di mgba n [LL H HH] convulsion. *See left-hand; OI1lI!II(f ibite = left-handed person;
"ose" = convulsion. Lit: one who does /acts with the let; haud. var.
ajii iyi n [HH HH] crocodile; Lit: water viper. aka i"kpa.
var. aj'ii (Clltavhractlls). aka ike 11 [HH HH] tight-fistedness: cruelty-
ajiijii n [HLH] inquiry; question. (j nu-erne aka ike = he is tight-fisted; he call
ajiijii onii n [HLH HH] interview; oral ques- he cru el
tioning. aka ikwe 11 [HH HL] pestle .
ajUlii n [HHH] tranquiliser. aka Ikpa 11 [HH LL] left hand. Far. aka ekpe.
aka n [HH] branch; limb; tendril. aka Ila 11 [HH HL] (Aziunini) left-handed
aka 11 [HH] manner; style; way. person; southpaw. "See "ornena ibite " = one
aka n [HH] 'hand; finger-akaapiilagi'= God who acts with the left-hand.
forbid! Don 'tsay,it was an accident: Lit : fllCl)' aka Inya 11 [LH LL] (Oka) mat made of raffia
[FOW} hand never act on its own will; "han- palm, or from "ata' grass .
dle; attachment to an object by which it can aka ji 11 [HH H) yam sprout the tender light
be held, lifted, or carried. 1'01'. eka. green bud of yam.
aka n [HH] place; place where - 0 jere aka aka mbo n [LH HH] pangolin.
ah a = she went to that place: Aka 0 jere aka mkpo 11 [HH HH] pangolin. var . akabo,
adtglu anya = He went to a place not far aka mkpu 11 [HH HH] disease leading to the
away. var. eka. painful swelling of the finger- or toe-nail:
aka 11 [HL] dwarf; more particularly those whitlow. Far. aka nzo .
serving the chiefs ofNri. *See "nwa aka" = aka mpi 11 [HH LL] furked horns.
dwarf. aka na aka 11 [HH H HH] palm wine jar; kind
aka n [LH] previous year. var. aka ahii; aka ofjug.
afii . aka ode 11 [HH HH] wooden club used for
aka n [LL] wood insect. laundry .
aka n [LL] poisonous brown snake which can aka ngo 11 [HH HL] whitlow; inflammation of
strike from tree branch. the finger-nail.

14
aka ngwe Igbo-English akiti

aka ngwe 11 [HH HH] pestle; pounder; grind- "osu" . *See "ugwule" = slave village.
ing stone. akanwii n [LHH] potash; saltpetre; salt-like
aka nni n [HH HH] right hand var. aka nri. substance used in food preparation, and in
aka nri n [HH HH] right hand. var. aka nni. the production of gun-powder. var. akawa.
aka nzo 11 [HH HH] disease leading to the akanya 11 [LHH] I roofing mat made from
painful swelling of the finger- or toe-nail; bamboo fronds - iild akanya = tent : Lit: house
whitlow. var. aka mkpu . built with tarpaulin or canvas; lcanvas; tar-
aka nzo n [HH HH] finger-nail disease; whit- paulin. var, akanye; ok'iy"i.
low . akanye 11 [LHH] roofing-mat; canvas; tarpau-
aka odo 11 [HH HH] pestle; wooden instru- lin - iilo akanye = tent: Lit: house built with
ment for pounding food, etc. in mortar. var. tarpaulin or canvas. var. akanya; oki"y"i.
odo. akara n [HHH] (Bende) bitter kolanut.
aka okpo 11 [HH LL] fist; clenched hand; Lit: akara n [HLL] line; row - akara nZ/I = line of
"hand [set to give a] blow". chalk-mark. var. akala. *See "oke" = bound-
aka omii n [HH HH] grindstone. ary.
aka iitara n [HH HLL] (Ohafia/Nsuka) right akara n [LLL] (loan) bean cake; cake made
hand. from ground beans. duly seasoned and fried
aka-nni ori 11 [HH-HH HH] (Onica) klepto- in hot oil.
mania; incorrigible thief. akara n [LLL] 'measure or length of cloth;
akabiri n [HHLL] long green snake, usually strip of cloth; '(strictly) cloth with "nsibidi"
found living on tree-tops. motifs woven into them. var . iikara.
akabo 11 [HLL] pangolin; also known as ant- akara aka n [HLL HH] personal destiny or
eater. var. akabii; akamkpo. fortune; one's pre-determined luck ; Lit: lines
akabii 11 [HLL] pangolin; also known as ant- on one 's palm . var. akala aka.
eater. var. akabd; akamkpd, akara ihu n [HLL HH] (Owere) wrinkles;
akaje n [LLL] (loan(?» insult ; mockery; ridi- Lit : lines of the forehead. var. akala iru.
cule - mee mmadii akaje = mock or ridicule akara ogiri n [LLH LLL] (Ndizogii) 'vaga-
somebody. va r. akaji. bond; neer-do-well: 'sometimes used in a
akaji 11 [LLL] (loan(?)) insult; mockery; ridi- derogatory way to refer to an uncircumcised
cule. var. akaje. male. vor . akara ogoli ; okali oholi; ofo ogoli .
akakpd n [LLL] dwarf; thick-set man . akarama n [HHHH] (loan) 'bottle or flask ;
akala 11 [HLL] boundary; line; row. var. akara. glass container: ' special flask in use in the
*See "oke " = boundary. Niger Delta in the early years of European
akala n [LLL] (loan) bean cake; cake made trade. var. kalamam.
from ground beans, duly seasoned and fried akasa 11 [HLH] species ofcocoyam. var. akasi
in hot oil. var. akara. (Xanthosoma sasiuiialium). *See "ede aro"
akala iru n [HLLHH] (Onica) wrinkles; lines = cocoyam; also called "ede bekee" = Euro-
on the forehead var. akara ihu. pean cocoyam.
akalaka 11 [HHHH] crab . akasa 11 [LHL] kind ofcloth of special design ,
akalikpd 11 [HHHH] pupa stage of beetle. imported (then) mainly from Akassa port .
akalo 11 [LLL] (Oka) fog . akasi n [HLH] species ofeocoyam. mr. akasa
akamkpd 11 [HLL] pangolin; also known as tXsuulsusunu: susiiuialuuu). *See "ede aro"
ant-eater. var. akabd; akabii. = cocoyam.
akamu 11 [LLL] pap made from maize flour ; akata n [HHH] a variety of plant used in
cream of corn /maize. hedges and fenc es.
akana 11 [HHH] (West Igbo) twig. akawa 11 [LHH] (Bende) potash; saltpetre;
akani 11 [HHH] (Onica) anger. salt-like substance used in food preparation,
akankolo n [HHHHH] (West Igbo) name for and in the production of gun-powder. vat:
the village set aside for cult or indentured akanwu ,
slave in West Niger area; cult slave; same as akiti n [HHH] (loan(?» bracelet.

15
 aki Igbo Dictionary akpaigbo

aki 11 [HH] Ikernel; palm kernel ; "nut; hard seed fests do gs.
of fruit. var. akii. akoro 11 [LI-IH] a type of climbing plant.
aki 11 [HH] hunchback; hump-back . akotokpo 11 [HHHH] low-grade palm oil.
aki bekee 11 [HH LLL] coconut. var. akii bekee akpa 11 [1-11-1] uninhabited land ; wilderness:
(Coeos nueifera) . heath - bugude 11 'egu akpa = li ved in the
aki ilu 11 [HH LL] an bitter edible fruit, COIU- wilderness . var. ikpa. "The example is from
monly called the bitter kola, on account of Os0111ar'l: see also " oma agu" = heath.
its permitted use as a kolanut substitute. V O l'. akpa 11 [HH] matchet for cutting grass.
n.
akii ilu «(hil1eD/laC? *The fruit ha s many akpa 17 [HH] kind of fruit .
medicinal uses. akpa 17 [HH] species of fish .
aki mkpikii 11 [HH HHH] two palm kernels akpa 11 [1-11-1] tick; small para site of the spider
fused together; twin nuts. var. akii mkpi. family that afflicts dogs. "See "a koro" == tick.
akidi 11 [HHL] (West Igbo) dwarf; trickster. akpa 11 [LI-I] kind of edible caterpillar com-
akidi 11 [LHL] cowpea. monl y found on palm trees ,
akidi mpkishi n [LHH HHH] chicken peas. akpa 11 [LL] groundnut; peanut, HII'. okpa.
akika 11 [HLL] la mark or scratch; "ornamen- akpa 11 [LL] dumb person .
tal mark on the body- akpa 11 [LL] 'bag: pouch ; pocket ; sack: Cnest
akika 11 [LHL] (Ihiala) dry yam stems. - akpa aihi = bee hive .
akika 11 [LHL] white ant. akpa 11 [LL] kind of game .
akika oyighoyi n [HHH LLLL] finishing or akpa abii 11 [LL HH] bo il: cellulitis.
smoothing chisel used by blacksmiths. akpa af 11 [LL HH] diviner's bag.
akikala 11 [LHHH] (aka) crab. akpa agii 11 [LL BB] (Oka ) hunter 's trap for
akikb 11 [HHH] (Onica) story. val', akiikd . large animals . "See "mkpakana" = lion trap .
aki'li adj [HHH] (Onica) thin . akpa akpa n [LL LL] small tortoi se.
akiTibii 11 [HHLH] (aka) coconut. akpa akpa 11 [LL LL] (Ndizogu) maize ; corn;
akil'iko 11 [HLHH] dry yam stems. mai ze-pottage .
akiri 11 [LLH] frog. akpa akii 11 [LL HH] quiver: bundle of ar-
akiri"ka 11 [HHHH] tattered basket; bamboo rows.
mat; thatch. akpa ala 1/ [HH LL] thunder.
akiti 11 [HHH] specjes of tree . akpa ala 1/ [LH HH] dung beetle whose lar-
akitikpa 11 [LHHH]" kind of wild yam. vae develop in dung. and is for ever ferrying
akitikpo 11 [HHHH] male lizard. dung. \'(/1'. akpa ana ,
akd 11 [HH] pneumonia. akpa ala 11 [LL HH] kind of sleeping mat.
ako 11 [LH] cleverness; guile. akpa ala 11 [LL HH] underclothes supporting
akd na nee 11 [LH L HL] common sense; in- the breasts : bra : bra ssiere. \ '((1' akpa ara .
telligence; practical wisdom. akpa amii 11 [LL HL] scrotum ; bag of skin
akoli"ko 11 [HHHH] scabies on animals. containing testicles.
akolO 11 [LHH] common sense ; sense. akpa anwii 1/ [LL HH] hi ve: bee-hive; honey-
akolo 11 [LHH] kidney. VOl'. akiild; akiirii. comb. VUI'. akpa afiii ,
akom 11 [HLL] hepatitis; jaundice; yellow akpa afiu 1/ [LL HH] beehive; hive; honey-
fever. comb. vat: akpa anwii.
akom 11 [LL] hippo. V O l'. akiim. akpa ara 11 [LL HH] (Owere) underclothes
akoo abaa n [HHH LHH] a variety ofcocoyam supporting the breasts; bra ; brassiere. \'(/1'.
that produces multiple tubers; sometimes akpa ala .
called "ede India"; Lit: "plant it, and it mul- akpaego 17 [LLHH] 'bag of money : a set o f
tiplies". VOl'. oeO. twenty "ukwu ego" or about 1.200 cowries;
akoro 11 [HHH] dryness of the vagina; atresia 18 of them (21.600 cowries) would be the
vaginae. VOl'. akpold, *Full form is "akoro equivalent of one hundred English pounds
otu". sterling; 2purse or pouch .
akoro n [LHH] tick ; spider-like flea that in- akpa igbo 11 [LH LL] (Onica) medium-sized

16
akpa Igbo-English akpo

women's all-purpose bag, used for going to akpete 11 [HLL] (loan ") bush-rat.
the market. akpi 11 [HH] (West lgbo) uncircumcised pe-
akpa mma-mirl 11 [LL HH-HH] bladder. var. nis: penis with foreskin still intact.
akpa nwa-mili. akpi 11 [HL] bug; scorpion; tick.
akpa nwa 11 [LL HH] ovary; womb ; uterus . akpi mkpa 11 [HH HH] hides ; animal hide .
akpa nwa-mili 11 [LL HH-HH] bladder, var. akpi nta 11 [HL HH] dog flea: tick .
akpa mma-miri. akpi ozala 1/ [HH LLL] scorpion. var . akpi
akpaka 11 [HHH] anvil ; iron stand used by ozara.
smiths; "See "osi arna" ;: anvil. akpi ozara 11 [HH LLL] scorpion. var . akpi
akpaka 11 [LHH] 'oil-bean fruit; oil-bean tree ; ozala.
-dish made from oil-bean seed and spices . akpidi 11 [HHH] low-grade palm oil, thick
var. iigba; iikpaka; iikpakala (Pentaclethra almost to a geL Wlr. akpdtd: akpiitii.
macrophvlla). akpili 11 [LHH] 'throat; neck: ldesire: appetite
akpaka anwii 11 [HHH HH] honey-comb; - akptltogonogo> ambition : Lit: long throat.
beehive. va r . akplr'i.
akpako 11 [LLH] calabash or gourd. *See akpili 11 [LHH] flute made from calabash. var.
"agbe" ;: gourd. akpiri,
akpala 11 [LHH] bird droppings. var. akpana . akpili n [LLL] money bundle, amounting to
akpalata 11 [HLLL] bamboo basket. 108,000 cowries. *The equivalent, then , of
akpana n [LHH] bird droppings. var . akpala. five pounds sterling.
akpankwo 11 [LHHH] dung-beetle . akpili aka 11 [LHH HH] pulse ; rate of heart
akpara 11 [HLL] wide wicker-basket or tray. beat as measured from the wrist .
var. asakala. "See " oda" ;: basket. akpili ide n [LHH HL] whitish insect that
akpara 11 [LHH] bird droppings; bird dung. clusters around fruit trees and fruit leaves.
akpara 11 [LLL] large animal of the duiker var . akpiri ide; akpiri Ida.
family, close to "ekpeke and different in akpili nta 11 [LHH HL] larynx; voice box .
colour from "mgbada" . *See "mgbada" and akpimkpa n [HLHH] 'kind of tick that pro-
"ekpeke", duces rashes on animals; -rashes produced by
akparata 11 [HHHH] species oftree with hard- tick-bite.
wood timber. akpirf 11 [LHH] 'neck; throat; ldesire; ambi-
akpata 11 [HHH] broom made of small long tion; greed - akpiriogologo> ambition: Lit:
sticks. long throat; ' thirst. var. akpili.
akpata n [HHH] 'drying tray made of wicker- akpiri 11 [LHH] flute made from long narrow
work; lshed . gourd. mr. akpm. "See " opu" ;: flute.
akpata 11 [HLL] measles; infectious disease, akpiri 11 [LLH] flea: bed bug.
mostly ofchildren, marked by numerous skin akpir'j ide n [LHH HL] whitish insect that
rashes. clusters around fruit trees and fruit leaves .
akpata n [HLL] (Abo) prawn; shrimp. var. akp"jri Ida.
akpata oyi 11 [HLL HH] goose-bump; raised akpiri ida 11 [LLH HL] whitish insect that
bristles on the skin caused by very high fe- clusters around fruit trees and fruit leaves.
ver or fear ; goose-flesh. VUI'. akptri-ide.

akpata onii 11 [HH-HH] story: tale . akpiri uta 11 [LHH HH] larynx: voice box.
akpati 11 [HLL] large box ; suitcase usually of var. akpill uta .
wood or metal, very much like a cabin box - akpirima 11 [LLLL] (loan) thief; one who
akpati ozu ;: coffin; Lit: box for a corpse. pilfers things, especially from the farm. var .
akpati ozu 11 [HLL HH] box in which a corpse ekperlma,
is placed for burial. akpo 11 [LH] type of fish.
akpele 11 [LLL] flute-like musical instrument akpo 11 [LL] low grade wine from trunk of
made from a narrow gourd; flute. var. akplli ; palm. "See "iti '" low grade wine .
akpir"i. *See "oja" = flute . akpii 11 [HH] chin: upper jaw: tooth gum. var.

17
 -_
..... ..........'''-- ~ "..,~ ......----- ---
akpokpa Igbo Dictionary akii

akpu. akpii otuwe 11 [LL HLL] navel. var. otuwe;

akpokpa 11 [LLH] (Afikpo) corn; maize. vat: otume; akpa otobo: otobo: akpa otume.
i"kpakpa. akpii ohii 11 [HL HH] buttock. var. akpii ahii;
akpoli 1/ [HHH] (Onica) current: waves. akpii arii.
akpolo 11 [HHH] dryness ofthe vagina; atresia akpii onii 11 [HH HH] 'Adam's apple; the
vaginae. vat: akoro. *full form is "akpolo "stump" or projection in front of the neck;
otu", 2 go itre, or disease involving swelling of the

akpolu 11[HLL] (Onica) spleen disease. thyroid gland. var. akpii akpili.
akpoto 11 [HHH] low grade palm oil, thick akpii orii 11 [HL HH] buttock. m 1'. akpii ahii;
almost to a gel. va r. akpidi; akpiitii . akpii ohii: akpii arii .
akpoto 11 [LLL] (Afikpo) walking stick. akpiikpa 11 [HHH] scabies.
akpii 11 [HH] 'cassava plant or tuber: -mashed akpiikpa 11 [HHH] mango.
cassava, soaked in water for lip to four days. akpiikpa 11 [HLL] broom made from shrubs.
washed clean. and cooked: foofoo: 'tapioca. akpukpo /1 lHHH] 'hide: processed skin of
or dried thinly-shredded cassava slices animal: leather - akpiikpo auii = hide of
("'fallihot eSClIle11la: A4allihot unlissiiua) . skill lied animul: -membrane or outerskiu;
Akpii 11 [HH] a god or deity to which the foreskin - i:~ha akpiikp6 = drum membrane.
"akpu" tree is dedicated. var. akpiikpii .
akpii 11 [HH] 'silk-cotton-tree: huge tree with akpukpo iikwii 11 lHHH HH] footwear; shoes;
thorns, held sacred in most communities: the Lit: hides for the feet.
thorn-tree. or red-tlowered silk-cotton tree- akpiikpii 11 [HHIl] hide: skin..
akpii 0/1\\'0 ogbu anii ukwu = sacred tree [that akpiikpii 11 [HHH] small hard lumps in oth-
rejuvenates] killers o] hug: animals (i,e. erwise well-pounded foofoo or similar prepa-
leopards): ckapok tree (Cciha /Jelulalldra: B. ration.
luuuuuussuse). *Thc example is from V . lke. akpiikpii 11 [HHHJ 'hide: processed skin of
The Bottled Leopard. p. 133 . animal: leather - akpiikpii ani! = hide of
akpii 11 [HL] knot; non-pus swelling: tumour. skinned animal: -rnembrane or outerskin:
akpii 1/ [HL] seed yam. foreskin - i"gha akpiikpo = drum membrane.
akpii 11 [IlL] stump. var. akpiikpii.
akpii 11 [LH] chin. vat: akpo. akpiikpii ahii 11 [HHH HH] skin; animal skin.
akpii ahii 11 [HL HH] buttock. var. akpii arii. akpiikpii nni 11 [HHH HH] small hard lumps
akpii akpi'li' 11 [HH HHH] 'Adam's apple; the found in poorly pounded foofoo or similar
"stump" or projection in front <of the neck: preparation. 1'(/1'. akpiikpii nri. *See "ntakii
2goitre, or disease involving swelling of the nm .
thyroid gland. var. akpii onii. akpiikpii nri 11 [HHH HIl] small hard lumps
akpii arii 11 [HL HH] buttock. vat: akpii ahii, found in poorly pounded foofoo or similar
akpii ji 11 [HH H] seed yam; stump of har- preparation. vat: akpukpii nni.
vested yam, used as "seed" in next year's akpiirii 11 [HHH] (Afikpo) kernel: fruit; seed.
planting. \-ar. mkpurii.
akpii mmiri 11 [HL HHH] varicose veins: akpiitii 11 [HHH] low grade palm oil, thick
enlarged veins. almost to a gel. 1"(/1' . akpidi; akpoto.
akpii nkolo 11 [HH LLL] variety of cassava. akii 11 [HH] edible clay. *See "iilo" = clay.
akpii osisi n [HL-HHH] stump; tree-knot. akii n [HH] [palm kernel; kernel; 2n ut; hard
akpii otobo 11 [LL HLL] navel; stump on the seed of fruit. var. aki,
stomach at which the umbilical chord is at- akii 11 [HH] pubic hair.
tached to the body. var. otuwe; otume: akpa akii 11 [HL] black beads.
otuwe; otobo; akpa otume. • akii 11 [LH] arrow - akpa akii = quiver.
akpii otume 11 [LL HLL] navel. var . otuwe; akii 11 [LH] shutter.
otume: akpa otobo; otobo; akpa otuwe. akii 11 [LLJ property; riches: wealth; mammon.
akpii otutu 11 [HL-HHH] blister. akii 11 [LL] edible species of flying ant: often

18
akii bekee Igbo-English akwa mkpuci

fried in its oil and dried for storage. var. akii the edges or corners.
ebe; akii mpu. akiikwa 11 [HHH] pain (orperiodofpain) after
akii bekee n (HH LLL] coconut. var. aklbekee childbirth . *See "onodii nwa' = post-pactum
(Cocos nucifera). pains .
akii ebe 11 [LL HL] 'edible species of flying akiikwa one 11 [HHH HH] children by the
ant or termite; often fried in its oil and dried same mother; mother' s children.
for storage; 2yam-eating bug. var. akii; akii aklilo 11 [LHH] kidney. var . akolO; akiirii.
mpu. akiilii 11 [HHH] ornament.
akii eze n [LH HH] tooth-ache. aklilii 11 [HLL] fungus attaching to the palm
akii ilu 11 [HH HH] bitter kola nut; crunchy tree; mushroom .
bitter nut , often served with , or as a substi- akiilii n [LHH] tick: insect parasite of the
tute for, kola nut . var. agba Hu . *See spider family : a kind of flea .
"ugugolo" = bitter kola. akiilii 11 [LLL] premium quality palm wine.
akii mkpi n [HH HH] two palm kernels fused var. akiirii.
together; twin-seeded palm nut. var. aki akiim 11 [HHH] hippo. 1'W·. akom .
mkplkd. *A reference to the twin balls ofthe akiim ala 11 [HHH LL] species of yam .
he-goat! . akiipe 11 [LLH] (loan) fan; hand -held personal
akii mkpu n [LL HH] edible species offlying fan made from a species of raffia palm.
ant; often fried in its oil and dried for stor- akiirako 11 [LLHH] charred remains of food.
age . var. akii; akii mpu. akiirii 11 [LHH] kidney. var. akiilii: akolO.
akii mmiri n [HH HHH] hail; hailstorm. var. akiirii 11 [LLL] premium quality palm wine.
akii mmili. vat: akiilii .
akii mpu n [LL LH] edible flying ant or ter- akiirii 11 [LLL] species ofsmall, black insect;
mite. var . akii; akii ebe; akii mkpu. tick .
akii otii n [LL HH] clitoris; small upper end akiirii iigba 11 [LLL LL] kind of prickly plant
of a woman's genitalia. var. atiitii otii . - okpa nkii akpara akiirii iigba = thefirewood
akii ugo n [HH LL] white palm kernel. picker knows better than to pick the "akiirii
akii ii10 11 (LL LL] purlins; horizontal bam- iigba " plant. \'{Ir. akiirii.
boo roofing member. akwa 11 [HH] lamentation; tears; weeping.
akiibara n [HHHH] creepingplantthatcauses akwa n [HH] funeral; funeral obsequies; wake
skin irritation. var. akiigba; akiigbara (M11=. keeping; lamentations for the dead; mourn-
cuna urens). ing. with associated crying.
akiigba n [HHH] prickly creeping plant. var. akwa 11 [HH] money bundle amounting to
akiibara; akiigbara (Mucuna urens). 1,200 cowries. *See "ayolo" = cowries.
akiigbara n [HHHH] irritant creeping plant akwa 11 [HL] cloth : cloth lengths. *See
var. akiigbara; akiigba (Ml/cl/na uisus). "ogodo" = waist-cloth.
akiiko 11 [HHH] narrative ; story ; tale. akwa n [LH] egg .
akiiko n [HLL] curved hoeing knife . var. akwa 11 [LL] bridge - akwa mmiri = bridge
nkuko. across a river: formerly constructed oflogs
akiiko ani n [HHH LL] legend; tales of the and held together with ropes.
land and lineage. akwa n [LL] 'bed: couch; -hammock. or bed
akiikoifo n [HHHHL] folk-tales of'a general made from canvas or tarpaulin.
type, usually in prose, with songs inter- akwa 11 [LL] (Onica) kind of bird.
spersed var. akiiko iro. akwa arara 11 [HH LLL] lament; cry ofsorrow
akiiko iro n {HHH LH] folk-tale of a general by the weak . *See "uri akwa " = dirge ; lament.
type, usually in prose, with songs inter- akwa mkpe 11 [H L HL] sack -cloth worn for a
spersed var. akiiko ifo. season of months by widowed people; Lit:
akiikii n [HLL] side; corner; part. cloth of widowhood .
akiikii 11 [LLL] gossip. akwa mkpuci 11 [HL HLH] curtain or veil;
akiikii akiikii adv [HLL HLL] sideways; from cloth used in covering or shielding object or

19
, ,j !I

lgbo Dictionary ala nkita

akwala

area - akwa mkpuci iru = veil to coverthe [a: e epileptic' tits ,

akwirla 11 [LLL] harlot or prostitute. var.
(E\". 26 :31).
akwala n [HHL) root - gban.l·e akwala = set akwiina. "See "akwLina-akwLina" = harlot.
down roots. vat: akwara. akwiima 11 [LLL] smallpox - kworo there kuru
11\l'it ak:viima= agree 10 ((117'1' a child infected
akwala iru n [HLL HH] (Onica) wrinkles:
lines on the forehead, 1'01', akwara ihu. with small-pox [akv. i ;II /(/ / in one '.I' arms/or
akwam ozu 11 [LHH HH] funeral or burial rites . fear of causing ctntuu nI""IIICI1I.
akwara 11 [HHH] guinea-worm. akwiina n [LLL] harlot or prostitute. 1'111'.
akwara n [HHL] 'coarse fibre from the peti- akwiila. *See "akwuna akwuna" = harlot.
oles or slender stalk of grO\ving palm leaves; akwuna akwima 11 [LL L LLL] harlot or pros-
'twine; rope . titute; named after "Akunakuna", the Ogoja
akwara 11 [HHL] I root - gban.l'e akwara = set town famous 111 colonial times as source of
do: \'I { roots: 'nerve; tendon; artery. vat: harlots for West African cities, ]'01'. akwiila:
akwala. akwiina .
akwara iru n [HLL HH] (Owere) wrinkles; ala adj [LL] south; southerly. *compare with
lines on the forehead. var. akwala ihu. "ugwu" = "north".
akwii 11 [HH] palm; palm-nut; palm-tree. VOl'. ala 11 [HH] (Oni'ca) breast - ike ala = breast
nkwii (Elaise fJuinensis). lobe. var ara .
akwii 11 [HH] (Bende-Ohafia) silk-cotton tree. ala 11 [HH] (Onicn ) madness; insanity. var.
akwii 11 [LH] deserted farmland. ara .
akwii n [LH] nest; widow's hut. ala n [HH] used to i etcr to suckers or shoots
akwii 11 [LH] door; shutter; window. of particular plants.
akwii 11 [LH] l1et for catching fish; fish trap . ala 11 [LL] (Owere ) earth: ground; land; soil.
var. nkwu (azii). var. ani: ale.
akwii 11 [LL] widow. *See "okwa" = widow. ala n [LL] bottom. 1'01' ani'. *cf. "isi" = top.
akwii ani 11 [HH LL] white ant. Ala /1 [LL] (Owere] Earth: Earth goddess. VUI'.
akwii nro 11 [HH HL] hand-squeezed palm Ana; Ani.
oil; i.e. quality palm oil extracted by hand ala aka /I "[LL HH] 'tributary; arm or branch
from fresh unboiled fruits . (e.g . of river); -inlct - a/a aka osimiri '= sea
akwii olu 11 [HH HL] pineapple. \'((1', nkwii inlet, \ ar, ara aka,
olu. ala akoro /I [LL LLL] earth; earths crust.
akwiikwa 11 [HLL] earthen pot-stand. ala enu /1 [HH HH] (Omca) colostrum; moth-
akwiikwa n [LLL] curse - gbaa akwiikwa = er's first milk, usually yellow and bitter.
rain abuses. ala eze /I [LL HL] kingdom; dominion.
akwiikwo 11 [HHI-I] paper; book; leaf; sheet ala ezi /1 [LL LH] shrine containing the clay
of paper. figures of family deities; a kind ofvigbudu".
akwilkwo akpii 11 [HHH HH] vegetable and *See "igbudu" = family idol.
banana dish. ala mgbalagada /1 [HH HHHHH] flat fallen
akwiikwo ndii n [HHH HL] green leaf; non- breast associated with adult women, *See
edible green leaf - akwiikwo ndu, akwukwo "ala mgbotogo" = fallen breasts.
ndii = green; greenish. ala mgbotogo /1 [HH LLLH] flat fallen breast
akwiikwo nni n [HHH HH] vegetable; edible associated with adult women.
green vegetable. var. akwiikwii nri. ala mmiiii /1 [HH LHH] 'spirit world: Lit: land
akwukwo nri 11 [HHH HH] vegetable; edible of the spirits; nether world: 'hell - zida na
green vegetable. var. akwiikwo nni, 111/1/66 = descended IJ110 hell (Is. 5: 141. \,(11',
Akwiikwd Nsd n [HHH HH] Holy Bible; the ala mrnuo .
texts of the Old and New Testaments; Lit: ala nkita /1 [HH HHL] (Onica) rabies; Lit:
Sacred Book. dog madness.
akwiikwii 11 [LLL] epileptic fits: fits oftrepi- ala nkita /1"[HH HHL] (Onica) shrubby climb-
dation - akwukwu na-ebu ya = he does have ing plant with white-to-pink flowers (D.

20

-r- t .............---
ala ntakd Igbo-English ama

sassuilis) . crest on head of cock. var. arii okpa; alo

ala ntakd 11 [HH HHH] nodal breasts yetto be egbene.
fully formed; shrunk breast of a grown alolO 11 [LLL] dregs .
woman. aloo n [HHH] umbilical chord var . aliilo.
ala oca 11 [LL HH] sub-fertile land; land far alukpu 11 [HLL] (Oka) cloud. var. irukpu.
away from (flood) water. val". ani" oca. alii CId; [HH] (Onica) heav y - ibu alii = heavy
ala okpoo 1/ [LL HHH] dry parched land . load. var. arii.
alaga 11 [HHH] needle. alii 11 [~H] bite - taa alii = hire. var. arii.
ale 11 [LL] (Afikpo) earth; ground; land; soil. alii 1/ [HH] (West Igbo) sponge made from
var. ala; ani palm frond ; called " ncic a" when used to wash
ale le 11 [LLL] (Oka) delicacy of bean meal , plates . var. alii.
mixed with oil and other spices, and steamed alii n [HH] (Onica) abomination; sacrilege;
to a stable consistency in a wrap of select taboo. var . arii. "Usually against the Earth.
leaves; very much like the "moi moi", var. as in "luo ani" = commit an abomination.
elele . alii 11 [HH] bell.
all n [LH] parasite that attacks the eyes. var. alii n [HH] weight; heaviness. var . arii.
ari; ari"ri alii 11 [HL] ceremonial staff of office or walk-
ali'bala 11 measles; infectious disgase, mostly ing stick carried by titled men - alii OZO =
ofchi ldren, marked by numerous skin rashes. ceremonial staffcarried by 0:0 title holders.
\'01". -alubala. "See "akpata" = measles. var. alo . *See otO.
alibo 11 [LLH] (1oan)~.Qlj1~m yam. maize, alii okpa 11 [LH LL] cockscomb. *See "alo
or cassava. egbene" = cockscomb .
allghi'ri' adj [HLLL] lean and tough. var . Aliia exc/ [LLL] (West Igbo) Welcome! ;
anighini. Welcome backl: Happy return home!. var.
alika 11 [HLH] 'lizard; 2rascal; person oflean ne.
and ungainly build. aliibala n measles: infectious disease, mostly
alila n [HHH] funnel. ofchildren, marked by numerous skin rashes.
alila n [LHH] surgical blade. val". alibala . *See "akpata" = measles.
arm n [HHH] (Onica) 'centipede; millipede; aliilo n [HHH] umbilical chord. var. alOo.
"euphemism for "snake" -Ieele alili> look! aliilii 11 [HLH] cloud; haze; mist. var. aliiliiii.
a centipede; a phrase used to politely ask a alUlU n [LHH] marriage; the act of getting
speaker to stop. var. ar·irl. *See "esu" = married - aWW di IIa nwal1Yi' = marriage
millipede. between husband and woman. var. OIUlii.
alili" n [LLL] (Onica) undeserved agony; ex- aliilii 11 [LLL] stake from tree branch used to
treme grief; misfortune; sorrow - aririka njo support yam stems and tendrils.
= the ivorst suffering is undeserved agony. aliilii ana If [HHH LL] mischief; wickedness;
var. arlr]. meanness. var. ariirii ala.
alo 11 [LL] gong. *cf. "agogo" = gong. aliilUii n [HLHH] cloud; haze; mist. var. aliilii.
alO 11 [HH] homed viper; puff-adder. aliiliiii 11 [LHHH] blue or indigo dye; the tree
alO 11 [HH] umbilical chord. from which dyes are obtained.
alo n [HL] walking stick, or ceremonial staff aliisi n [HHH] (Onica) fetish; idol; carved
ofoffice carried by titled men - alo OZO = staff \ representation ofa spirit or deity. var. ariisi.
ofoffice used by an OZO title holder. var. alii. ama 11 [HH] (Nsiika) god; 'spirit.
*See "ngwu' = staff of office. ama n [HH] 'compound; settlement; 2fringe
alo 11 [LL] big metal gong, used in the or outer part of settlement (as distinct from
"Atilogwu" dance. its core , or "nguru") - Isu ama = part ofIsft
ald egbene n [LH LLL] cockscomb; red fleshy regarded as being 011 its outerfringes ofthe
crest on head of cock. var. alO okpa; arii settlement.
okpa. ama n [HH] 'spleen.iinflammation of the
alO okpa [LH LL] cock's comb; red fleshy spleen with associated pain. var. iima.

21
 ama Igbo Dictionary ana aghara ndii

ama 11 [HH] 'family group or kindred; small amaghi ama 11 [HHH LH] accident: some-
village; 2road leading from village or family thing done unwittingly - (j bii amaghiama =
group; maintained by the community and it was all accident: the act was not intended.
serves social and ritual functions; 3village amala adv [LLL] about; almost - (j bialu amala
square; open space used for meetings and izu ita = he came about three weeks ago .
other communal activities. amala n [HLL] cross-beam .
ama 11 [HL] measure; step. amala n [LHH] (aka) colour - all/ala ojii =
ama 11 [HL] 'chapter; verse; 2mark; pointer to black or blue-grey colour.
a location. amala 11 [LLL] (Onica) paddle; broad-bladed
ama 11 [LL] 'information; intelligence; 2inform- oar used by canoe-men .
ant - onye ama = spy; informant. amala 11 [LLL] grace ; mercy ; pity ; favour;
ama n [LL] time. kindness. var. amara.
ama alia n [HH HHH] boil; inflammation; amaDi adv [LLL] at; at the time of; on the
inflammation of the gums; tooth ache. var. occasion of- amani onwu ul1yi'= at the time
ama ahia. ·See "ama azi" = tooth ache. ofour death.
ama am n [LH HH] enlarged spleen; spleni- amara 11 [LLL] grace; mercy; pity; favour;
tis. var. uma aro. kindness. vor. amala.
ama af610 n [LH LLL] male sterility. amara n [LLL] paddle; broad-bladed oar used
ama ahia 11 [HH HHL] boil; inflammation; by canoe-men .
inflammation of the gums; tooth ache. var. ami n [HL] kind of reed shaped for wine-tap-
ama afia. ·See "ama azi" = tooth ache. ping.
ama ala n [HH LL] plank . ami 11 [LL] female genitals.
ama ala n [HH LL] indigenous person; per- ami aca Il [LH LH] fast maturing variety of
son born into the community. maize; Lit: ripening even while growing.
ama ama adj [HL LH] well-known or illus- amiri n [HHH] wine.
trious; famous ; popular; renowned - 0 bii amusu 11 [HHH] witch; witchcraft ; the prac-
onye ama ama = he is a well-known person- tice whereby a sleeping victim is attacked by
ality. • a witch appearing in the form of bird, insect,
ama azi n [HH HH] tooth ache. or animal. var. amiisu.
ama onye n [LL HH] spy; informant; Ut: you amii 11 [HH] (Onica) cheer; hilarity ; laughter;
never know who!. smile - oci no amu = laughter and smiles .
ama ukwu n [HH HH] main or primary vil- amu 11 [HH] mark or tattoo on chest or fore-
lage open space; village central square. *See head.
"obodo ezi" = village square. amu 11 [HL] penis; testicle.
ama ugha n [LL LH] false testimony . amu ibi 11 [HL HL] hernia.
ama ugha 11 [LL LH] false information. amiidezi 11 [HHHH] slave; indentured house
ama iikwii n [HL HH] unit of measurement; servant. *See also "oru".
verse - ama iikwii ise = five steps (lit: foot- amtima 11 [HHH] prophecy; warning - onye
lengths); 5th verse (e.g . ofsong or poem). amiima = prophet.
ama-afia aka 11 [LL-HHH HH] whitlow; in- amuma [HLH] dirt; filth.
11
flammation of the finger-nail. amuma [LLL] lightning; lightning flash -
11
ama-afia eze n [LL-HHH HH] tooth-ache. amiima igwe = lightningflash; Lit: flashes
amadi n [LHH] free-born adult; aristocrat or ofthe sky.
noble man; in the Aro system, refers to a amiima 1/ [LLL] mental illness.
member ofan Aro settlement whose ances- ana n [LL] (Onica) earth; ground ; land.
tors were never slaves. ADa 11 [LL] (Onica) Earth; Earth goddess. var.
Amadi oha n [LHH LL] .Igod of thunder; its Ana; Ani.
shrine is marked by a forked stick, or a log ana aghara ndii 11 [LL HHH HL] a variety of
resting on two large bamboo posts; 2carved orange with edible rind. used in curing palm
figure of the god. wine.

22
ana aka Igbo-English anya ji

ana aka 11 [LL HH] twig ; tree-branch. var. tion of "anu" = beast.
aba aka. anunu 11 [HHH] pus.
anaga n [HHH] surgical needle. aouno 11 [LLL] kind of bird.
anagba 11 [HHH] anklet; bracelet. aniinu ede 11 [LLL] 'cocoyam tuber. esp . the
anam n [LLL] cloth work loosely around the branching tuber which serves as sucker;
waist; loin cloth. cocoyam connlets; -kiud of cocoyam with
anambe 1/ [LLL] (Mbieri) branching tuber of small reddish sucker-like tubers . var. aoiinii;
the cocoyam. var. anunii; anunii-ede. anambe.
anasi 11 [HHH] head-wife; first wife in a po- aououii 11 [LLLL] variety of dye or pigment;
lygamous household; also called " nwanyi isi the blue-dye producing plant. .
ci''t. anwa n [HL] attempt; a trial.
ani 11 [HL] porcupine. anwa n [LL] dogs vomit - nkita adighi eli
ani 11 [LL] (Onica) earth; earth goddess; anwa ya = a dog does 110t eat its OWI1 vomit.
ground. var. ala; ana. anwa nsi n [LL LL] magic ; necromancy.
ani 11 [LL] bottom. var. ala. anwofi n [HHH] joy; rejoicing; gladness. vat:
Ani 11 [LL] (Onica) Earth; Earth goddess. var. anofi.
Ala ; Ana. anwii 11 [HH] sun ; sunl ight .
ani pm [HH] one alone; solo. *See "naani". anwii 11 [HH] mosquito.
ani olu 11 [LL HH] wetlands, orland constantly anwii 11 [HH] bee. var. aoii.
under flood; flood plain; wetlands; riverine aowii anwii ad; [HL HL] immortal; never
land. *See "rngboko" = wetlands. dying.
ani Dca n [LL HH] sub-fertile land; land far anwii nta n [HH HL] mosquito.
away from (flood) water. *also called "agba- aowiilii 11 [HLL] smoke: soot. var. anwurii;
enu" or "igbo". anyiilii .
aniga 11 [HLlf] (Onica) lizard var. anika. anwiirii n [HHL] smoke; soot \ '0 1'. 3DWiilu'
*Used with this meaning in the novel, anyiilii.
Ojaadili. p. 2. anwuru 11 [HLL] ground tobacco ; snuff; to-
anighini adj [HLLL] lean and tough. var. bacco. var. anwiilii.
alighiri. anwiita 11 [HHL] mosquito. var. anwii nta.
amKa 11 [HLH] lizard var. aniga. anya adj [HH] far: distant.
anim 11 [LLH] female tortoise. var. aniim; aoya n [HH] eye .
anyim. anya n [HH] attitude; disposition.
aoima 11 [HLL] seed yam. good for planting. anya 11 [HH] watch .
anini 11 [LHH] coin formerly in local use; worth anya 11 [HH] plate.
a farthing or a quarter of a penny - lowest- anya 1/ [HH] gap or narrow opening; small
value coin; mite. fissure; openingjust enough to allow light to
anD num [LH] four; the number 4; fourth. pass through - mee ([11.Fa = have a gap : cie
anu 11 [HH] 'animal; beast; 2flesh; meat. var. 1I11HI = he completely sealed.
unu. anya 11 [LL j thick rope made from plant-skin;
anu ahu 11 [HH LH] flesh . var. anii arii. cane made from similar material.
anu aro n [HH LH] flesh. var. aou ahii. anya acii 11 [HH HH] whip; cane .
aou ohia n [HH HHH] animal; beast ; Lit: ani- anya atUlii 11 [HH HHL] blue eyes . like those
mal of the forest. of sheep.
anum n [LLH] female tortoise. VOl'. anim; anya egbe 11 [HH HH] squint-eye.
anyim. anya egele 11 [HH LLL] eyes that do not see
anum iiyOlo n [LLH HLL] (bka) plantain; well in strong light; hazel eyes.
variety of plantain with smallish fruits . aoya ike 11 [HH HH] boldness: aggressive-
anumaoii 11 [HHHLL] 'animal; beast; 2stupid ness.
person - kpaa agwa ka aniimanii = behave aoya ji 11 [HH H] set of yarns from ten barn
like a animal. without sense. *A 'reduplica- poles (or "mkpa.,) each consisting of about

23
J" frr 2 I I r

Igbo Dictionary apa

anya mba

48 yams. *See "mkpa" = barn pole. coin.

anyii ike 11 [HH HH] axe. var. anyike.
anya mba n [HH HH] eye-sore.
anyii nda 11 [HH LL] pumpkin: cucumber.
anya mkpo n [HH HH] blindness.
anyii nka 11 [HH LL] hammer, about half the
anya mkpolo n [HH LHH] blindness.
size of the maim hammer ("otutu"), used by
anya mkpord 11 [HH LHH] blindness.
anya mmanii 11 [HH HHH] jaundiced eyes; smiths to round off sharp edges: smoothing
yellow eyes associated with fever. hammer.
anyiilii 11 [HHH] bundle offruit vat: anyiirii.
anya mmiri n [HH HHH] tears.
anya mpia n [HH HHH] blindness in one eye. anyiilii 11 [HLL] smoke; soot - anyiili! oki! =
anya nku 11 [HH LL] (Ngwa) backbone; smoke : soot troni burning. var. anwiilii;
hence, strength - nwa bii anya nku = child is anyurii.
(family 's) backbone. var. anyunku. anyiirii 11 [HHH] bundle of fruit. 1"(/1". anyulii.
anya nniinii n [LL] species ofbird; kingfisher. anyiirii 11 [HLL] gum; flesh surrounding teeth
anya olu 11 [LL HH] necklace . - anvuru e:e = tooth gUIIl.
anya oca n [HH HH] impudence. ana 11 [HH] cane; rope: whip. var. anii.
anya ogbango 11 [HH HHLL] blindness. ana 11 [HH] black foul-smelling an t. 1'(1/'. ana
anya ojoo 11 [HH HHH] dislike; hatred. ahia,
anya okii 11 [HH HH] I inflammation ofthe eye; ana ahia 11 [HH HHH] black foul-smelling
conjunctivitis; keratitis; "envy. ant. vu r. ana .
anya oma n [HH HH] friendship; love. ana nti n [HH HL] inattention: stubbornness.
anya ucici 11 [HH LHL] lIight; night-time; Lit : afiaa n [LHH] manner: condition - iizo diaiiaa
eye ofdarkness. *See "anyasi" = night-time . = a particular wuvnnanner. var. aghaa.

anya ufie 11 [HH LLL] squint-eye; red-eye. *equivalent to Owerri "kpa".

var. anya uvie; anya uflfle. afiara 11 [HLL] garden egg.
anya utitie 11 [HH LLLL] red eyes; squint- afiasi 11 [HHH] head-wife; first wife in the
eyes. household of a titled man.
anya ukwu 11 [HH HH] greed; covetousness. afiasi 11 [HI-IL] soldier-ant. var. agbisi.
anya uvie n [HH LLL] squint-eye. var. anya afiasf 11 [LHL] »ight; night-time. var. anyasi.
utie. anoli 11 [HLH] gladness; joy: rejoicing. var.
anya iifii 11 [HH LH] envy; jealousy; Lit: pain anwoli.
in the eye. anii 11 [HH] bee; honey.
anyali 11 [LLL] albino. anii n [HH] whip: cane: rope. var. ana.
anyanwii 11 [HHL] sun; Lit: eye of sun. anuli n [HL HLH] happiness; joy: rejoicing;
anyari 11 [LLL] albino. gladness. vat: aiiiir'i.
anyasi 11 [LHL] night; night-time. *See "anya afiiil]' n [HLH] (Onica) happiness.joy; rejoic-
ucici" = night-time. mg .
anyi pm [HH] we; ourselves - ol1weanyi> we afiiirf 11 [HLH] (Owere) happiness; joy; re-
ourselves. joicing; gladness.
anyi(m) 11 [LLL] female person; woman. apa 11 [HH] dispute.
anyike 11 [HLH] axe. var. ayike; onyike. apa 11 [LH] . unbelief.
anyim 11 [LLL] female tortoise. var. anim; apa 11 [LH] Y-shaped metal coin which re-
aniim. placed the hoe-shaped metal coin, "arryii,"
anyim 11 [LLL] river. used in the Arocukwu/Bende area.
anyinya 11 [LLL] horse. var. inyinya. apa n [LH] raffia palm win: wine of inferior
anyinya ibu 11 [LLL HH] donkey; ass: beast quality collected from felled "ngwo". var.
of burden. akpa. *See "eruru"; "ngwo" = raffia wine .
anyii 11 [HH] cucumber; melon; pumpkin. apa 11 [LL] scar from healed wound - onya
anyii 11 [HH] axe. naa, apa ra adaa alia = the wound may heal,
anyii n [HH] hoe-shaped metal coin used in hut the scar never goes all·a)'.
the Arocukwu/Bende area; replaced by "apa' apa n [LL] swollen spleen: disease of the

24
apa Igbo-English aro

spleen. by dog-bite. vur. ala nkita,

apa 11 [LL] laziness. ara nkita 11 [HH HHL] shrubby climbing plant
apa 11 [LL] thigh. var . apata. with white-to-pink flowers (D. saxatilis) .
apa 11 [LL] 'an insect or winged beetle that araba n [HHH] (aka) hardwood used by
breeds in oil palm flower; 2the pupa of the • smiths to make handles for metal tools
beetle. (Griljonia Bauai).
apali n [LLL] 'rope, secured atthe ankle, used art 11 [LH] 'filaria, a parasite that attacks the
for climbing trees; different from "ete" which eyes ; 2hookwonn. 1'(/1'. ali; arir].
secures the climber around the waist; "ex- ari n [LL] early morning meal : breakfast; meal
posed root of iroko tree. - gbaa ari - break fast . "See "ucu" = break-
apart n [LLL] (alii) ropefor climbing trees. fast.
var . abali. ar'i n [Ll.] hook. "See .. fiko' = hook .
apart 11 [LLL] foolishness. ar'i igbe 11 [LH HL] plant which gives out a
apata 11 [LLL] thigh; whole leg. var. apa: fragrant smell when burnt: used both as medi-
apata iikwii. cine and as seasoning.
apata iikwii 11 [Ll.L HH] thigh; whole leg. ari' nze // [LH Ll.] but for the grace oL .: thanks
var. apa; apata. to ... - ari n: e Cukwu = bv the grace ofGod
apl 11 [Ll.] uncircumcised man, ... : i.e.. things would have been awful butfor
apia 11 [HHH] uncircumcised penis ; foreskin, Gocl's sa ving g race.
intact over penis, aria 11 [HLL] personal or household property
apia n [HHH] I kind of bird; "beak of a bird . - jiri aria gbaa aka ebe = use household
apia mmiri n [HHH HHH] diver bird. ' property I.J"~ pledge.
ap'ip'i 11 [LLL] castrated he-goat var. apiri api; aria 11 [LLL] 'funnel, faucetorsimilarobject
mpipi, for collecting or transferring liquid; "flagon ,
aplpla 11 [HHHH] punishment; sanction. var . *See "ogbanaga = funnel.
op'ip'ia. arla mmiri n [LLL HLL] water jug - aria
ap'ip'ia n [HHHH] cane; whip. mmiri oki! = hot water kettle.
ap'ir'i ap'i 11 [Ll.L LH] castrated he-goat. VUI'. ar'ia mmiri okii 11 [lLL HLL HH] kettle: hot
apipi; mp'ip'ia. water kettle.
apiti n [HLL] mire ; mud. arikwa 11 [LHH] intestinal worm.
ap'ito 11 [HLL] mud: mire. var. ap'iti. artlrka n [HLHH] ship's anchor - tiipiisiri
apdnli 11 [LHL] (Uzuakoli) first hair on ba- arilika 11 'ile = cast of] the anchors (Acts
by's head; baby hair, var. aba Inya; abonh . 27:40) ,
apopa 11 [lHH] canoe paddle. ariri' 11 [HHH] (Owere) centipede: millipede;
apii n [HH] silk-cotton tree . snake . 1'((1' . alil'i. *See "esu = millipede.
apii ji n [HH H] white yam. ar'ir'i n [LHH] filaria, a parasite that attacks
apiipa 11 [LHH] species of fish (Teta/pia (?)) , the eyes. var. ali; ari.
apiipa n [LLH] groundnut; peanut. arlr'i n [LLL] (Owere) 'undeserved agony;
ara n [HH] breast-ikeara= lobeofthe breast. extreme grief: misfortune; sorrow - arii'i' ka
var. ala. nj o = the worst suffering is undeserved
ara n [HH] madness; mental illness; insanity; agollY: "public humiliation, or grave insult.
dementia. var. ala. var. alill.
ara n [LL] gimlet; skewer; yam fork . arir'i 11 [LLL] feeling ofguilt or remorse: com-
ara aka 11 [Ll, HH] 'tributary; arm or branch punction.
(e .g . of river); 2inlet - ara aka osimiri = sea ar'ir'iij n [HLHH] plea: prayer; request ,
inlet. var. ala aka. ard 11 [HH] dream. 1'111'. nro .
ara enu n [HH HH] (Owere) colostrum; arb 11 [HL] advice: suggestion. var. alo.
mother's first milk after delivery. var. ala ard /1 [HL] year. var. afb; ahd,
enu . arb 11 [HL] walking-stick.
ara nkita n [HH HHL] rabies; madness caused aro 11 [HL] arrow; ceremonial spear; spear.

25
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drawing-room floor by the naked soles of those negro rioters—and
now this morning, Cousin Tom comes up quietly when all was over
to tell her at his ease how he had taken the most approved
precautions for the protection of his beloved vacuum pans. Every
time she thought of it, Nora laughed again, with a fresh little
outburst of merry laughter, more and more vehemently, just as
though her father were not at that very moment lying within
between life and death, as still and motionless as a corpse, in his
own bedroom.
There is nothing more fatal to the possible prospects of a suitor,
however hopeless, than to be openly laughed at by the lady of his
choice at a critical moment—nothing more galling to a man under
any circumstances than patent ridicule from a beautiful woman. Tom
Dupuy grew redder and redder every minute, and stammered and
stuttered in helpless speechlessness; and still Nora looked at him
and laughed, ‘for all the world,’ he thought to himself, ‘as if I were
just nobody else but the clown at the theatre.’
But that was not indeed the stage on which Tom Dupuy really
performed the part of clown with such distinguished success in his
unconscious personation.
‘How’s your father this morning?’ he asked at last gruffly, with an
uneasy shuffle. ‘I hear the niggers cut him about awfully last night,
and next door to killed him with their beastly cutlasses.’
Nora drew herself up and checked her untimely laughter with a
sudden sense of the demands of the situation, as she answered
once more in her coldest tone: ‘My father is getting on as well as we
can expect, thank you, Mr Tom Dupuy. We are much obliged to you
for your kind inquiries. He slept the night pretty well, all things
considered, and is partially conscious again this morning. He was
very nearly killed last night, as you say; and if it hadn’t been for Mr
Noel and Mr Hawthorn, who kindly came up at once and tried to
protect us, he would have been killed outright, and I with him. But
Mr Noel and Mr Hawthorn had happily no vacuum pans and no
trash-houses to engage their first and chief attention.’
Tom Dupuy sneered visibly. ‘Hm!’ he said. ‘Two coloured fellows!
Upon my conscience! the Dupuys of Trinidad must be coming down
in the world, it seems, when they have to rely for help in a nigger
rising upon two coloured fellows.’
‘If they’d had to rely upon white men like you,’ Nora answered
angrily, flushing crimson as she spoke, ‘they’d have been burnt last
night upon the ashes of the cane-house, and not a soul would have
stirred a hand or foot to save them or protect them.’
Tom laughed to himself a sharp, short, malicious laugh. ‘Ha, ha!’ he
said, ‘my fine English-bred lady, so that’s the way the wind blows, is
it? I may be a fool, and I know you think me one’—Nora bowed
immediately a sarcastic acquiescence—‘but I’m not such a fool as
not to see through a woman’s face into a woman’s mind like an open
window. I heard that that woolly-headed Hawthorn man had been
over here and made a most cowardly time-serving speech to the
confounded niggers, giving way to all their preposterous demands in
the most outrageous and ridiculous fashion; but I didn’t hear that
the other coloured fellow—your fine-spoken English friend Noel’—he
hissed the words out with all the concentrated strength of his
impotent hatred—‘had been up here too, to put his own finger into
the pie when the crust was burning. Just like his impudence! the
conceited coxcomb!’
‘Mr Noel is lying inside, in our own house here, this very moment,
dangerously wounded,’ Nora cried, her face now like a crimson
peony; ‘and he was cut down by the negroes last night, standing up
bravely, alone and single-handed, with no weapon but a little riding-
whip, facing those mad rebels like an angry tiger, and trying to
protect me from their insults and their cutlasses; while you, sir, were
stopping snugly away down at Pimento Valley, looking carefully after
your canes and your vacuum pans. Tom Dupuy, if you dare to say
another word, now or ever, in my hearing against the man who tried
to save my life from those wild wretches at the risk of his own, as
sure as I’m standing here, sir, I give you fair notice I’ll chastise you
myself, as soon as I’ll look at you, you cowardly backbiter!—And
now, Mr Dupuy, good-morning.’
Tom saw the game was fairly up and his hand outwitted. It was no
use arguing with her any longer. ‘When she’s in this humour,’ he said
to himself philosophically, ‘you might as well try to reason with a
wounded lioness.’ So he whistled carelessly for Slot to fellow, lifted
his hat as politely as he was able—he didn’t pretend to all these fine
new-fangled town-bred ways of Harry Noel’s—jumped with awkward
agility upon his chestnut pony, turned its head in the direction of
Pimento Valley, and delivered a parting Parthian shot from a safe
distance, just as he got beyond the garden gateway. ‘Good-by, Miss
Nora,’ he said then savagely, raising his hat a second time with
sarcastic courtesy: ‘good-bye for ever. This is our last meeting. And
remember that I always said you’d finish in the end, for all your fine
English education, in marrying a confounded woolly-headed brown
man!’

CHAPTER XLV.
All day long, Mr Dupuy lay speechless and almost motionless on his
bed, faint with loss of blood, and hovering between life and death,
but gradually mending by imperceptible degrees, as Marian fancied.
The brain had been terribly shaken, and there were some symptoms
of stunning and concussion; but the main trouble was merely the
excessive drain on the vascular system from the long-continued and
unchecked bleeding. About mid-day, he became hot and feverish,
with a full pulse, beating unsteadily. Macfarlane, who had remained
in the house all night, ordered him at once a rough mixture of sal-
volatile, bismuth, and whisky. ‘And whatever ye do,’ he said
emphatically, ‘don’t forget the whisky—a good wine-glassful in half a
pint of cold water.’
Mr Dupuy was raised in the bed to drink the mixture, which he
swallowed mechanically in a half-unconscious fashion; and then a
bandage of pounded ice was applied to his forehead, and leeches
were hastily sent for to Port-of-Spain to reduce the inflammation.
Long before the leeches had time to arrive, however, Nora, who was
watching by his bedside, observed that his eyes began to open more
frequently than before, and that gleams of reason seemed to come
over them every now and again for brief intervals. ‘Give him some
more whisky,’ Macfarlane said in his decided tone; ‘there’s nothing
like it, nothing like it—in these cases—especially for a man of
Dupuy’s idiosyncrasy.’
At that moment Mr Dupuy’s lips moved feebly, and he tried to turn
with an effort on the pillow.
‘Hush, hush!’ Nora cried; ‘he wants to speak. He has something to
tell us. What is it he’s saying? Listen, listen!’
Mr Dupuy’s lips moved again, and a faint voice proceeded slowly
from the depths of his bosom: ‘Not fit to hold a candle to old
Trinidad rum, I tell you, doctor.’
Macfarlane rubbed his hand against his thigh with evident pleasure
and satisfaction. ‘He’s wrong there,’ he murmured, ‘undoubtedly
wrong, as every judicious person could easily tell him; but no matter.
He’ll do now, when once he’s got life enough left in him to contradict
one. It always does a Dupuy good to contradict other people. Let it
be rum, then—a wine-glassful of Mr Tom’s best stilling.’
Almost as soon as the rum was swallowed, Mr Dupuy seemed to
mend rapidly for the passing moment. He looked up and saw Nora.
‘That’s well then,’ he said with a sigh, recollecting suddenly the last
night’s adventures. ‘So they didn’t kill you after all, Nora?’
Nora stooped down with unwonted tenderness and kissed him
fervently. ‘No, papa,’ she said; ‘they didn’t; nor you either.’
Mr Dupuy paused for a moment; then he looked up a second time,
and asked, with extraordinary vehemence for an invalided man: ‘Is
this riot put down? Have they driven off the niggers? Have they
taken the ringleaders? Have they hanged Delgado?’
‘Hush, hush!’ Nora cried, a little appalled in her cooler mood, after all
that had happened, at this first savage outcry for vengeance. ‘You
mustn’t talk, papa; you mustn’t excite yourself. Yes, yes; the riot is
put down, and Delgado—Delgado is dead. He has met with his due
punishment.’
‘That’s well!’ Mr Dupuy exclaimed, with much gusto, in spite of his
weakness, rubbing his hands feebly underneath the bedclothes.
‘Serves the villain right. I’m glad they’ve hanged him. Nothing on
earth comes up to martial law in these emergencies; and hang ’em
on the spot, say I, as fast as you catch ’em, red-handed! Flog ’em
first, and hang ’em afterwards!’
Marian looked down at him speechless, with a shudder of horror; but
Nora put her face between her hands, overwhelmed with awe, now
her own passion had burst itself out, at that terrible outburst of the
old bad barbaric spirit of retaliation. ‘Don’t let him talk so, dear,’ she
cried to Marian. ‘O Marian, Marian, I’m so ashamed of myself! I’m so
ashamed of us all—us Dupuys, I mean; I wish we were all more like
you and Mr Hawthorn.’
‘You must not speak, Mr Dupuy,’ Macfarlane said, interposing gently,
with his rough-and-ready Scotch tenderness. ‘Ye’re not strong
enough for conversation yet, I’m thinking. Ye must just take a wee
bit sleep till the fever’s reduced. Ye’ve had a narrow escape of your
life, my dear sir; and ye must not excite yourself the minute ye’re
getting a trifle better.’
The old man lay silent for a few minutes longer; then he turned
again to Nora, and without noticing Marian’s presence, said more
vehemently and more viciously than ever: ‘I know who set them on
to this, Nora. It wasn’t their own doing; it was coloured instigation.
They were put up to it—I know they were put up to it—by that
scoundrel Hawthorn—a seditious, rascally, malevolent lawyer, if ever
there was one. I hope they’ll hang him too—he deserves it soundly—
flog him and hang him as soon as they catch him!’
‘O papa, papa!’ Nora cried, growing hotter and redder in the face
than ever, and clutching Marian’s hand tightly in an agony of distress
and shamefacedness, ‘you don’t know what you’re saying! You don’t
know what you owe to him! It was Mr Hawthorn who finally pacified
and dispersed the negroes; and if it hadn’t been for his coolness and
his bravery, we wouldn’t one of us have been alive to say so this
very minute!’
Mr Dupuy coughed uneasily, and muttered to himself once more in a
vindictive undertone: ‘Hang him when they catch him!—hang him
when they catch him! I’ll speak to the governor about it myself, and
prove to him conclusively that if it hadn’t been for this fellow
Hawthorn, the niggers’d never have dreamed of kicking up such a
hullabaloo and bobbery!’
‘But, papa,’ Nora began again, her eyes full of tears, ‘you don’t
understand. You’re all wrong about it. If it hadn’t been for that dear,
good, brave Mr Hawthorn’——
Marian touched her lightly on the shoulder. ‘Never mind about it,
Nora, darling,’ she whispered consolingly, with a womanly caress to
the poor shrinking girl at her elbow; ‘don’t trouble him with the story
now. By-and-by, when he’s better, he’ll come to hear the facts; and
then he’ll know what Edward’s part was in the whole matter. Don’t
distress yourself about it, darling, now, after all that has happened. I
know your father’s feelings too well to take amiss anything he may
happen to say in the heat of the moment.’
‘If you speak another word before six o’clock, to-night, Dupuy,’
Macfarlane put in with stern determination, ‘I’ll just clear every soul
that knows ye out of the room at once, and leave you alone to the
tender mercies of old Aunt Clemmy. Turn over on your side, man,
when your doctor tells ye to, and try to get a little bit of refreshing
sleep before the evening.’
Mr Dupuy obeyed in a feeble fashion; but he still muttered doggedly
to himself as he turned over: ‘Catch him and hang him! Prove it to
the governor!’
As he spoke, Edward beckoned Marian out into the drawing-room
through the open door, to show her a note which had just been
brought to him by a mounted orderly. It was a few hasty lines,
written in pencil, that very morning by the governor himself,
thanking Mr Hawthorn in his official capacity for his brave and
conciliatory conduct on the preceding evening, whereby a formidable
and organised insurrection had been nipped in the bud, and a door
left open for future inquiry, and redress of any possible just
grievances on the part of the rioters and discontented negroes. ‘It is
to your firmness and address alone,’ the governor wrote, ‘that the
white population of the island of Trinidad owes to-day its present
security from fire and bloodshed.’
Meanwhile, preparations had been made for preventing any possible
fresh outbreak of the riot that evening; and soldiers and policemen
were arriving every moment at the smouldering site of the recent
fire, and forming a regular plan of defence against the remote
chance of a second rising. Not that any such precautions were really
necessary; for the negroes, deprived of their head in Delgado, were
left utterly without cohesion or organisation; and Edward’s promise
to go to England and see that their grievances were properly
ventilated had had far more effect upon their trustful and excitable
natures than the display of ten regiments of soldiers in marching
order could possibly have produced. The natural laziness of the
negro mind, combining with their confidence in the young judge,
and their fervent faith in the justice of Providence under the most
apparently incongruous circumstances, had made them all settle
down at once into their usual listless laissez-faire condition, as soon
as the spur of Delgado’s fiery energy and exhortation had ceased to
stimulate them. ‘It all right,’ they chattered passively among
themselves. ‘Mistah Hawtorn gwine to ’peak to Missis Queen fur de
poor naygur; an’ de Lard in hebben gwine to watch ober him, an’
see him doan’t suffer no more wrong at de heavy hand ob de proud
buckra.’
When the time arrived to make preparations for the night’s watching
and nursing, Nora came to Marian once more with her spirit vexed
by a sore trouble. ‘My dear,’ she said, ‘this is a dreadful thing about
poor Mr Noel having to go on stopping here. It’s very unfortunate he
couldn’t have been nursed through his illness at your house or at
Captain Castello’s. He’ll be down in bed for at least a week or two, in
all probability; and it won’t be possible to move him out of this until
he’s better.’
‘Well, darling?’ Marian answered, with an inquiring smile.
‘Well, you see, Marian, it wouldn’t be so awkward, of course, if poor
papa wasn’t ill too, because then, if I liked, I could go over and stop
with you at Mulberry until Mr Noel was quite recovered. But as I
shall have to stay here, naturally, to nurse papa, why’——
‘Why, what then, Nora?’
Nora hesitated. ‘Why, you see, darling,’ she went on timidly at last,
‘people will say that as I’ve helped to nurse Mr Noel through a
serious illness’——
‘Yes, dear?’
‘O Marian, don’t be so stupid! Of course, in that case, everybody’ll
expect me—to—to—accept him.’
Marian looked down deep into her simple, little, girlish eyes with a
curious smile of arch womanliness. ‘And why not, Nora?’ she asked
at last with perfect simplicity.
Nora blushed. ‘Marian—Marian—dear Marian,’ she said at length,
after a long pause, ‘you are so good—you are so kind—you are so
helpful to me. I wish I could say to you all I feel, but I can’t; and
even if I did, you couldn’t understand it—you couldn’t fathom it. You
don’t know what it is, Marian, to be born a West Indian with such a
terrible load of surviving prejudices. O darling, darling, we are all so
full of wicked, dreadful, unjust feelings! I wish I could be like you,
dear, I wish indeed I could; but I can’t, I can’t, I can’t, somehow!’
Marian stroked her white little hand with sisterly tenderness in
perfect silence for a few minutes; then she said, rather
reproachfully: ‘So you wish Mr Noel wasn’t going to be nursed under
your father’s roof at all, Nora! That’s a very poor return, isn’t it, my
darling, for all his bravery and heroism and devotion?’
Nora drew back like one bitten suddenly by a venomous creature,
and putting her hand in haste on her breast, as if it pained her
terribly, answered, with a little deep-drawn sigh: ‘It isn’t that, Marian
—it isn’t that, darling. You know what it is, dear, as well as I do.
Don’t say it’s that, my sweet; oh, don’t say it’s that, or you’ll kill me,
you’ll kill me with remorse and anger! You’ll make me hate myself, if
you say I’m ungrateful. But I’m not ungrateful, Marian—I’m not
ungrateful. I admire, and—and love him; yes, I love him, for the way
he acted here last evening.’ And as she spoke, she buried her head
fervidly, with shame and fear, in Marian’s bosom.
Marian smoothed her hair tenderly for a few minutes longer, this
time again in profound silence, and then she spoke once more very
softly, almost at Nora’s ear, in a low whisper. ‘I went this morning
into Mr Noel’s room,’ she said, ‘darling, just when he was first
beginning to recover consciousness; and as he saw me, he turned
his eyes up to me with a beseeching look, and his lips seemed to be
moving, as if he wanted ever so much to say something. So I
stooped down and listened to catch the words he was trying to
frame in his feverish fashion. He said at first just two words—“Miss
Dupuy;” and then he spoke again, and said one only—“Nora.” I
smiled, and nodded at him to tell him it was all well; and he spoke
again, quite audibly: “Have they hurt her? Have they hurt her?” I
said: “No; she’s as well as I am!” and his eyes seemed to grow
larger as I said it, and filled with tears; and I knew what he meant
by them, Nora—I knew what he meant by them. A little later, he
spoke to me again, and he said: “Mrs Hawthorn, I may be dying;
and if I die, tell her—tell Nora—that last night, when she stood
beside me there so bravely, I loved her, I loved her better even than
I had ever loved her!” He won’t die, Nora; but still I’ll break his
confidence, darling, and tell it you this evening.—O Nora, Nora! you
say you wish to goodness you hadn’t got all these dreadful, wicked,
West Indian feelings. You’re brave enough—I know that—no woman
braver. Why don’t you have the courage to break through them,
then, and come away with Edward and me to England, and accept
poor Mr Noel, who would gladly give his very life a thousand times
over for you, darling?’
Nora burst into tears once more, and nestled, sobbing, closer and
closer upon Marian’s shoulder.
‘My darling,’ she cried, ‘I’m too wicked! I only wish I could feel as
you do!’
 SWIMMING.
The extent to which the power of swimming is cultivated amongst
Englishmen is scarcely creditable to the citizens of a country which
boasts both that it is the greatest naval power, and that it possesses
infinitely the largest mercantile marine on the face of the earth. It is
only within recent years that it has been anything but a rare
exception for a sailor to be able to swim. Amongst old naval officers
it is still remembered as a notable occurrence that some fifty years
ago, Lord Ingestre, when in command of a ship on the
Mediterranean station, refused to rate as an able seaman any man
who could not swim, and that from time to time other captains
followed his example. That this should be still recalled to mind
shows how rare an accomplishment swimming was amongst sailors
in past times; and if this has now been remedied in the royal navy,
where, at the present day, swimming is taught, a similar
improvement has by no means taken place in the mercantile marine,
in which a seaman who can swim is still a curiosity. Probably the
same remark would apply to our ‘long-shore’ population, to our
lightermen and professional watermen, and to the inhabitants of our
numerous canal-boats. And yet English people of both sexes and of
the average type seem to take to the water as naturally as a duck.
The difference is that they delight to disport themselves on the
waves instead of in them. Every seaport, every suitable stretch of
river, every lake, has its Rowing Club; Cockneys, whose ideas of
rowing are original if not elegant, and whose notions of boat-
management constitute a minus quantity, make summer Sundays
and the August Bank Holiday hideous on the Thames in the
neighbourhood of Hampton Court; and if ’Arry takes his ’Arriet for a
day’s excursion to some one of the seaside resorts which they
patronise, the enjoyment of both is incomplete if they do not court
the woes of sea-sickness by going for a sail.
In face of this national taste for aquatic pursuits, it is a painfully
suggestive reflection that comparatively few Englishmen, and still
fewer Englishwomen, possess sufficient knowledge of swimming to
save their own lives if they were suddenly plunged into deep water,
and were called upon to support themselves for, perhaps, five
minutes by their own exertions. No doubt, the power of swimming is
a far more common accomplishment amongst men than it was a
quarter of a century ago. Swimming has shared in the athletic revival
which has marked the period, and has found its devotees amongst
the practical adherents of muscular Christianity; but if, as some
seem to think, there are not wanting signs that the rage for athletic
pursuits has passed its meridian, and has begun its decline,
swimming will probably suffer, in common with other sports, from
the reaction. No doubt, too, our changeful English climate, our cold
waters, are against this particular form of exercise. In the tideless,
sun-warmed Mediterranean, in the coral-bound lagoons of the
Southern Ocean, or by the grove-clad banks of Burmese rivers,
swimming becomes both a luxury and a second nature. Let those
testify who remember the untrammelled urchins flinging themselves
from the bows of boats in Malta harbour to dive for and secure the
coins flung from the deck of some newly arrived vessel, or disporting
themselves day after day in the fetid, drain-polluted waters of the
Dockyard Creek. Let travellers bear witness who, with possibly some
humorous exaggeration, have told us how, in Burmah, toddling
infants can swim at least as soon as they can walk; and how a
mother, too busy for the time to look after her youngest born, will
cheerfully and confidently place it in the river, to amuse itself with its
playmates; and then, when she has leisure, will swim about among
the gamboling children until she has found her own and brought it to
land. In such a case as this there can be but little teaching;
swimming must come almost naturally—shall we say from hereditary
instinct, developed by the constant calls made upon it, and
transmitted from generation to generation?
The lower temperature of the sea, or of fresh water fully exposed to
the air, in our latitudes will doubtless always prevent Englishmen, as
a nation, from becoming expert swimmers; but the common-sense
of a people which prides itself on its possession of the quality should
suffice to evade or overcome this natural obstacle so far as to
release us from at least a large proportion of the grim death-tribute
which we pay every year to our national ignorance. To any one who
has noted the characteristic recklessness with which people intrust
themselves to frail craft with whose management they are
ludicrously unacquainted, it may perhaps be a matter for surprise
that this tribute is not more heavy than it is; but certainly not a few
of the deaths by drowning that go to swell our annual calendar of
disasters can only be properly called accidents if we extend the
signification of the word so as to include those misfortunes which,
though unforeseen, arise from perfectly preventable causes. The
climate of Paris and the north of France is not warmer than that of
England, but the proportion of Parisians—perhaps even of
Frenchmen in general—who can swim is certainly greater than that
of Englishmen. When it was pointed out to the librarian at Boulogne-
sur-Mer that the library did not possess a single work on swimming,
he replied good-humouredly: ‘Ah! c’est comme ça, Monsieur—on
apprend naturellement ici;’ and in Thévenot’s Art de Nager,
démontré par Figures, avec des Avis pour se baigner utilement,
published in Paris in or about 1696, some of the plates represent
ladies swimming, and would thus seem to show that with
Frenchwomen it has been a custom for centuries. In the year 1859,
Miss Powers, the secretary to the Ladies’ National Association for the
diffusion of sanitary knowledge, published a twopenny pamphlet
entitled, Why do not Women Swim?—a Voice from many Waters; but
the question thus propounded was not satisfactorily answered, and
an Englishwoman who can swim still remains a rarity—how great a
one, any one may easily ascertain for himself by watching the small
crowd that speedily assembles to watch a lady-swimmer at any
seaside resort.
In extenuation of our national ignorance of swimming, we have not
even the excuse that the acquisition of the art is difficult. On the
contrary, it is one of the most easily acquired of accomplishments.
The one secret of it is confidence, though, like most other things, it
is best learned young. There is no reason why it should not—on the
contrary, on the ground both of health and of saving of life, there is
every reason why it should—be made a necessary part of the
education of young people of both sexes and of all classes. At Eton
and in some other schools, it is systematically taught; but it would
be far cheaper and more useful than many of the things for which
parents cheerfully pay as ‘extras’ in private establishments; whilst in
these days, when we are concerning ourselves so greatly about the
education of the masses, and paying such a price for the privilege,
swimming would certainly be a far more useful subject to form one
of the items of Board School education than many of the things for
which the long-suffering ratepayer is now compelled to put his hand
in his pocket. As a certain William Woodbridge remarked in a manual
published by him in 1864:

To swim with ease and confidence and grace,

Should in Great Britain have acknowledged place
Of recognition; and by law decreed,
Be taught as fully as we’re taught to read;
Forming a part in education’s rule
In every college and in every school.

This is the merest doggerel. In fact, the recommendation of the

book is not its literary merit, for it possesses none, but the fact that
it is what it professes to be—in itself a matter of congratulation after
the nonsense which, from time to time, it has been sought to palm
off upon the public by utilising the names of various prominent
swimmers who were far too ignorant to have written a line of the
compilations with which their names have been associated—and that
the instruction conveyed in it is thoroughly sound, practical, and to
the point. Woodbridge died in 1868; and the little manual has, I
believe, been long out of print, so that in saying this I may be
acquitted of the desire to give any one a gratuitous advertisement. I
come back, however, to my point: Why, provided there be water at
hand, should not every one be taught to swim during the period of
his or her school career; and how can parents reconcile it to their
consciences to permit their children to run a perfectly needless risk,
by failing to have them taught what they ought to learn as regularly
and easily as they learn to walk?
 A TALE OF TWO KNAVERIES.
IN FOUR CHAPTERS.—CHAP. II.
Tom and Lucy Wedlake were two young people who had loved one
another well enough, and had had sufficient courage to marry on
two hundred pounds a year in the teeth of their respective families,
both of which were highly respectable, extremely proud, but very
poor. Tom was a Civil Service clerk, aged twenty-eight, whose salary
had reached the above annual sum; and it was insisted by all their
relations that the young people ought to wait until he should get his
first class—which he might hope to do about forty—and be in receipt
of three hundred a year; that being the smallest income upon which
any lady and gentleman could contrive to support existence
together. The pair declined to accept this view; so they got married;
and Tom took his pretty gentle wife to live in a little house on the
north-east of the Regent’s Park, which he had furnished with money
lent him, free of interest, by a well-to-do friend. For the rest, they
were content to trust to youth, health, and determination to keep
from absolute destitution themselves and any little folks who might
hereafter come.
They did not, after all, find the struggle so terrible as it had been
described to them. They were not blessed—or burdened—with
children until they had been some time married, nor until
circumstances had put it into their power to maintain and educate
them without difficulty; and they had no expensive tastes. They
were extremely fond of one another, and lived in great happiness for
one year. Then Uncle Franklin took up his abode with them, and
their happiness was for a time considerably clouded. Mr Franklin was
Lucy’s maternal uncle. In his business—that of a wine-merchant—he
had made money, which he had increased by successful speculation.
But in proportion as his purse grew bulky, his manners deteriorated.
The latter fact was forgiven in consideration of the former; and by
the time he retired, the master of a moderate fortune, the family
toleration of him had developed into positive affection. Yet he was as
we have seen him—rough, harsh, coarse, selfish, and overbearing;
faults which were easily overlooked by the half-dozen sets of
brothers and sisters, plentifully garnished with nephews and nieces,
who remembered only that Uncle Franklin was old, rich, and a
bachelor, and forgot the wine-merchant’s business, and the continual
snubs and insults which it had always been the old gentleman’s
pleasure to inflict upon his affectionate relatives. So that, when he
began to lament the loneliness of his age, and to hint at his longings
for the comforts and pleasures of family life, quite a number of
hospitable doors flew open to him on the instant. Uncle Franklin
entered all those doors, and left each of them before many weeks
were over, shaking the dust off his feet against the inhabitants. In
every house which he honoured with a brief sojourn, he comported
himself more like a fiend than a human being. His selfishness, his ill-
temper, his insolence, his coarseness, his tyranny, his general powers
of exasperation, would have been unendurable by any save possible
legatees, whose meekness, however, instead of disarming the old
savage, seemed to incite him to yet greater cruelties. The end was
the same in every case. He would fasten some perfectly
unreasonable quarrel upon his hosts, and fling out of the house in a
furious passion; subsequently amusing himself by inditing from his
next abode injurious replies to the petitions for pardon and
reconciliation which pursued him.
One day a cab drove up to Tom Wedlake’s door, and Uncle Franklin,
alighting therefrom, walked into the parlour, plumped himself into
the most comfortable armchair, and announced his intention of
remaining, adding that his luggage would arrive shortly. Lucy, in
consternation, entertained him as well as she could, which did not
appear to be very well, until her husband came home and they were
able to take counsel together.
Tom was at first entirely opposed to the whole thing; and being
himself of a somewhat fiery temper, hinted at forcible expulsion as a
means of solving the difficulty. But Lucy begged him to do nothing
hastily, and suggested that the self-invited guest might at all events
remain for a few days, until they should be able to see for
themselves whether he were in reality so black as he had been
painted. And whether it was the excellence of the little dinner which
Lucy dished up, or the bright though homely comfort around him, or
certain indications in Tom’s look and manner, the dreadful uncle,
having come in like a lion, seemed disposed to remain in the
character of a lamb. He actually tried, in the course of the evening,
to pay Lucy a compliment on her good looks, which only missed fire
because no one could possibly have understood it.
Before he went to bed, Uncle Franklin repeated his proposal, offering
very liberal terms; and he lamented his lonely old age and the
evident disposition of all his relatives to quarrel with him, in a way
which went to Lucy’s soft heart. Even Tom, than whom there was no
better fellow breathing, was taken in so far that he forgot much that
he had heard of the woes attending Uncle Franklin’s irruption into
any household. It so happened that he had never troubled Lucy’s
own family circle, who alone of all his relatives lived at some
distance from London. The young couple sat late that night,
discussing the matter from all sides, and at last determined to make
the trial. Lucy was influenced partly by pity, partly by the hope,
which had in it little indeed of the mercenary element, that her uncle
might leave her some small legacy, so that her darling husband
might not, after all, have an altogether undowered bride. Tom, on
his side, thought only of the wife he loved; the additional income
would enable her to keep another servant, would relieve her from
hard and menial labour, and would even afford her some few little
feminine luxuries which had hitherto been beyond her reach. So
each, for the other’s sake, was willing to bow the back for the
burden.
For a time all went well. The old man seemed to have made a
sudden and vast amendment. True, he was generally irritable,
always selfish, and sometimes expressed himself in rather odd
language. But these, after all, were mere eccentricities, failings of
old age, results of a life apart from all refining influences. They were
not insupportable by two people who had youth, health, and good
spirits to their aid. And it was evident that Uncle Franklin had taken
a fancy to his niece. He liked to have her sitting near him at work;
and she made an exemplary listener while he fought over again the
battles of business, or indulged in tirades against the baseness and
ingratitude of mankind in general and his other relations in
particular. To Tom he was civil, and even friendly after his fashion;
altogether, he was an endurable inmate; and his entertainers began
to believe that the tales which they had heard must at least have
been highly coloured.
But after a month of this, Tom and Lucy began to discover that very
little present advantage was likely to result to them from the
arrangement, which was also irksome in many ways. Uncle Franklin
paid well; but then his ideas on the subjects of eating and drinking
and minor luxuries were on an even more liberal scale. In fact, after
his requirements in this way were provided for, and the expense of
the necessary additional servant met, there was little or no margin of
profit remaining. And the demands upon Lucy’s time and energies
were considerable. Uncle Franklin liked attention, and was unsparing
in exacting it; he was, in truth, something of an invalid, which
perhaps partly accounted for his temper and other peculiarities; so
that Tom began to think seriously of hinting to his guest that it was
hardly convenient to entertain him longer; when one evening the old
man, being alone with his host and in an unusually equable frame of
mind, made an explicit declaration of his intentions. Having first
anathematised all his other relations in a general but very hearty
manner, he vowed that his niece and her husband were so far the
only people with whom he had been able to get on; that he found
himself more comfortable with them than he had ever been in his
life; and that, with their permission, he proposed to end his days in
their company. Tom looked a little awkward; but Mr Franklin, as if
guessing at what was in his mind, went on to say that on this
condition he should make Lucy his sole legatee; there being, as he
considered, no one who had a better claim upon him, or to whom he
would willingly leave a fraction of his wealth. Of course Tom could
only express his grateful acknowledgments. He was too poor, his
prospects were too uncertain for him to be justified in standing in
the light of his wife and possible children; so Uncle Franklin was
given to understand that his proposal was accepted.
Lucy was full of delight when her husband told her what had passed;
but Tom himself was by no means disposed to be sanguine.
‘It’s all very well, little woman,’ said he; ‘and so far he has behaved
with tolerable decency. But I don’t think he’s exactly a person to be
trusted. You see, he is very comfortable here, thanks to you, and he
is undeniably selfish. Naturally, he would like to stay; and some men
will say or promise anything to get what they want at the moment.
Let him stay, by all means; we must not throw away such a chance.
But don’t allow yourself to build too much on his promises, my dear.
I, for my part, shall not be at all surprised if he gets tired of us, and
quarrels with us, as he has with the rest; nor even if we find, after
he has ended his days here and got all he can out of us, that his
money is left elsewhere.’
Lucy said little, but she could not bring herself to believe in the
existence of such duplicity, and in her heart she was convinced of
her uncle’s bona fides. She even felt a little shocked that her
husband, whom she so loved and admired, could entertain such
narrow and unworthy suspicions; and she resolved that, so far as it
depended on her, the old man should have no just cause to
reconsider his testamentary intentions.
But it is to be feared that this attack of amiability, coupled with the
repression of the past few weeks, had put a strain upon Uncle
Franklin which he was unable to bear. Perhaps he thought that his
munificent promise entitled him to relax a little; perhaps he
considered that he had now made his footing in the house absolutely
safe. However that may have been, within a very few days after this
conversation, the old Adam began to appear in him once more. In
Tom’s presence, he was still on his good behaviour, having an
instinctive fear of him, as one not likely to submit tamely to
oppression. But Tom was absent all day at his office; and when
Uncle Franklin had no one to withstand him but a woman, and a
very timid and gentle one to boot, he began to ‘let himself out.’ His
powers of fault-finding were perfectly microscopic; he passed his
time in devising vexations and enjoying them with the keenest
relish. As for his language, it daily increased in majesty and
ornament. He spoke to the servants in such a manner that one of
them—the new one—threatened to give warning, and was with
difficulty persuaded to remain; and Lucy was obliged to keep them
as much as possible from contact with her guest. He would begin
with a grumble at some trifle, round which he would gradually
crystallise his grievances, and work himself up by their
contemplation into a condition of insane rage, in which he would
amble about the room like an angry baboon, knocking down chairs
and scattering verbal brimstone all around. On these occasions, his
liking for Lucy seemed to disappear altogether, and he would indulge
in the most unpleasant criticisms on her appearance, her intellect,
and her housekeeping abilities. Neither would he spare her husband,
whom he was accustomed to sum up with similarly uncomplimentary
results, inviting Lucy to report his comments to their object—a
course which, he understood very well, nothing would induce her to
take.
She bore it all heroically. She knew what the consequence would be
if the slightest hint of the treatment to which she was subjected
should ever reach Tom’s ears; so she contented herself with
uncomplaining good-temper so long as that was possible, and tears
—which added fuel to her uncle’s wrath—when endurance was
pushed beyond its limits. Of her own profit she thought little; or
rather, the loss of her expectations would have seemed to her
humble and contented nature but a small price to pay for release
from her sufferings. But for Tom’s sake—in the hope of seeing him
relieved of that anxiety for her future which she knew to be always
present to his mind—for the sake of those who might hereafter cling
around her knees—she was prepared to endure silently the worst
that Uncle Franklin could do to her.
This state of things, however, came to a sudden end in a manner to
her most unwelcome. Her husband came home one afternoon much
earlier than usual. He had thought of late that his wife looked rather
pale and worn, and had resolved to treat her to a little dinner at a
restaurant, and to take her afterwards to the theatre, in the hope
that the outing might give her a much-needed fillip. The
consequence was that he met her unexpectedly, as she came out of
the dining-room. Could she have had a few moments’ time, she
would have utilised it in sponging her eyes and generally smoothing
down her ruffled plumage, for this was one of the days on which she
had given way under Uncle Franklin’s inflictions; her face was all
blurred with tears, and she was sobbing so that she could not
immediately stop. All that he had heard of the old man rushed into
Tom’s mind, and he suspected at once the state of the case. He took
her up-stairs, and then and there had it all out of her, with that
gentle and perfectly unbending firmness which she could never
resist. He said no more than to bid his little wife dry her eyes and be
comforted, kissed her, and went down-stairs, quite deaf to her feeble
efforts to excuse the offender. Uncle Franklin had a bad half-hour of
it that afternoon; he probably heard more solid truth than he had
been favoured with for many years. It was never exactly known
what Tom said to him; but before bedtime that night, it was quite
understood by all the household that their guest was under orders to
quit within a week. Uncle Franklin did not utter a word all the
evening, but sat in his armchair, blinking furtively at his host, feeling
guilty and detected, but yet unrepentant. Before he went to bed, he
announced his intention of keeping to his own room for the
remainder of his stay, and requested that a fire might be lit there in
the morning. Also, he wrote a letter, and sent a servant to post it.
This letter it was which occasioned Mr Blackford’s visit.
That worthy solicitor prepared the will, which was very short and
simple, with the care demanded by a document of such importance
to his own interests. He even took the precaution to fair-copy it for
signature himself, so as to pay strict regard to the desire of the
testator that no inkling of its purport should leak out prematurely;
and with it he next day repaired to Camden Town, taking with him,
as requested, two witnesses—his own clerk, and a writer in the
employ of his law-stationer.
Mr Franklin chuckled a great deal as he wrote his name. ‘You can
take it away and keep it yourself, Blackford,’ said he, after the
witnesses had done their part and retired; ‘I’ll warrant you to take
good care of it.—By the way, I don’t think the date’s inserted.’
The solicitor began to unbutton the greatcoat, in an inner pocket of
which he had buried the precious piece of paper.
‘Oh, bother that! Do it when you get back. It’s your concern—not
mine. I’ve had enough of you for one while; and I feel confoundedly
queer. I suppose this business has upset me, though I don’t know
why it should. It wouldn’t have done so, once on a time.—Good-day.’
And, nothing loth, Mr Blackford took himself off with his treasure.
The prize was his; but only conditionally. This unreliable testator
might alter his mind at any moment and undo his freak. Mr
Blackford, with all his faults, was not murderously inclined; but it is
to be feared that if some burglar in the pursuit of his calling had
found it necessary to eliminate Mr Franklin that night, and had
confided his intentions beforehand to the solicitor, something would
have happened to prevent that gentleman from warning the police.
He re-entered his office with a sigh. Never had it appeared to him so
gloomy as at this moment, when, with the possibility of future
wealth in his pocket, he found himself still confronted with the
necessity of solving that difficult and importunate bread-and-cheese
problem.
Uncle Franklin had rightly estimated his chances of remaining an
inmate of the Wedlake nest. On the morning after the execution of
his will, he came down to the dining-room at breakfast-time, and
then and there ate humble-pie with the best grace he could assume.
He apologised formally to Lucy, and promised never to repeat his
behaviour. He pleaded to Tom his failing health and increasing age,
and drew a moving picture of himself as an outcast upon the world,
at the mercy of landladies; and he did this with a certain rough
pathos which produced its effect. Tom was very short and stern in
his replies, and would commit himself to nothing definite, but
promised to think the matter over during the day. And when he
returned at night, Lucy the soft-hearted met him with an appeal,
before which he gave way.
‘He has been very humble and quiet all day,’ said she. ‘I think, my
boy—so savage about his little wife!—has quite broken the poor old
man’s spirit. I don’t think we ought to send him away. Of course,
there is the money; and it’s nonsense to pretend that we shouldn’t
be glad if he were to leave us a little. We can’t afford to despise it,
Tom. I am sure he likes me, though he is so cross; and I am not
much afraid that this affair will make any difference in the end. But
besides all that, he is so friendless and alone, rich as he is.—We will
try to keep him, won’t we, Tom dear?’
‘He must be on his good behaviour, then,’ said Tom, only half
mollified. ‘I’ll stand no more nonsense, let him be as rich as Crœsus.’
‘Leave him to me,’ said Lucy; ‘there will be no more trouble with him.
It was my own fault for giving way so much. I shall be wiser now,
and so will he.’
‘As you like, dear,’ said her husband. ‘I have no right to oppose you
in this matter, if you are willing to sacrifice yourself. I am very much
afraid you will be disappointed. Forgiveness of injuries is not in your
dear uncle’s nature, or I am much mistaken. He hates me like poison
now, of course; and he can’t benefit you without doing the same by
me, to some extent.’
‘I don’t know,’ returned Lucy thoughtfully. ‘I think you will find him
very different in future. He seems to me as if he had had a shock.
No one has ever stood up to him before, you know; and the
treatment may have a good effect.’
It did not occur to either of them to attach any importance to the
visits of Mr Blackford, of whose profession they were ignorant. Uncle
Franklin, though he had retired from trade, continued his speculative
investments; and the calls of gentlemen of unmistakable ‘business’
appearance were of such common occurrence, that they had almost
ceased to attract notice in the household, the master and mistress of
which were two of the least curious people in the world.
The old man certainly was altered, suddenly and strangely. His ill-
temper had disappeared; he even refrained from swearing when, on
one occasion, a mishap in the kitchen ruined his lunch. He became
remarkably silent; he gave up his morning walk, seldom read his
paper, and moped all day in his armchair, following Lucy about the
room with his eyes whenever she was present. She was rather
anxious about him, and did her best, by redoubled kindness and
attention, to soothe what she supposed to be his mortification under
the sharp rebuke which he had received. For a long time he scarcely
noticed her efforts, remaining sullen and unresponsive; but after a
while she found that he still liked her to be near him, and got
restless and uneasy if she were long absent. He seemed to have
something on his mind, and would gaze into the fire and mutter
anxiously to himself for hours together. For Tom he entertained a
hearty and unconcealed aversion, never speaking to him unless
obliged to do so, and glaring at him with no doubtful expression
whenever his back was turned. Of this Tom was almost oblivious,
and entirely careless; for no ‘expectations,’ however important to
himself or to others, could have enabled him to dissemble his real
feelings towards any one whom he either loved or disliked.
 DREAM-FANCIES.

Whence are ye that come to us

In the stilly night?
Wherefore do you torture thus,
Phantoms of delight?
Say, if ye are only fancies,
Why your presence so entrances—
So deceives our sight?

Where, oh, where’s your stronghold, tell,

In what fairy land?
O’er what meads of Asphodel
Sport your elfin band?
Tell me truly, flitting fancies,
Where you hold those fairy dances,
On what sunny strand?

When you, with your subtle spell,

Hold our senses fast,
Absent comrades with us dwell,
Present seems the Past:
Say, if ye are idle fancies,
Why, when overpast the trance is,
Its impressions last?

Wherefore bring before us still

Those from whom we sever?
Mean you, that you tyrants will
Grant oblivion never?
Say, if ye are dreams and fancies,
Why in dreams young Cupid’s lances
 Strike as deep as ever?

Tell me who your power confers,

Say from whom ye borrow
All your magic—harbingers
Ushering joy or sorrow;
Why, if ye’re but fickle fancies,
These dream-faces, these dream-glances
Haunt us so to-morrow?

Mortal mind may never know,

Mortal wisdom cite
Whence ye come or whither go,
Spirits of the night:
Yet your mystery enhances,
And your witchery entrances
More than pen may write.

E. W. H.

Printed and Published by W. & R. Chambers, 47 Paternoster Row,

London, and 339 High Street, Edinburgh.

All rights reserved.

FOOTNOTES:
[1] Roum or Rom, the gypsies’ own name for a gypsy all the
world over.
[2] Lásho, otherwise látcho, ‘good.’
[3] Gaújoes, Gentiles or non-gypsies.
[4] Rómanes, the gypsy language.
[5] Báro lávengro, ‘great word-maker,’ that is, fluent speaker of
the gypsy language.
 *** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHAMBERS'S
JOURNAL OF POPULAR LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART, FIFTH
SERIES, NO. 141, VOL. III, SEPTEMBER 11, 1886 ***

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