A new hypothesis on the etymology of Lat. mulier -eris 'woman'

Abstract

Etymological dictionaries of Latin – whether by Ernout and Meillet, Walde and Hofmann, or de Vaan – show that the origin of mulier remains uncertain. In response, the authors propose a new etymology, pursuing a previously unexplored approach. A formal analysis, grounded in historical phonetics and comparative Indo-European linguistics, is complemented by a cultural interpretation of the hypothesized meaning. This latter perspective likewise reveals notable parallels with conceptions attested in other Indo-European traditions.