Serbisch–kroatisch neman ‘Ungeheuer’

Abstract

In the present paper the etymology of SCr neman f. 'monster, ghost' is reconsidered and a new derivation from *nejьmati 'not to have, not to catch' proposed; the comparison with Russ. dial. nejman' besides nejm, nejmal' 'untameable (horse, dog); ill-mannered (person), evil-doer' enables to trace the word back to Common Slavic *nejьmanь.