すさ

Japanese

Alternative spellings

寸莎

Etymology

Derivation unknown. First cited in the 日葡辞書 (Nippo Jisho, Vocabulario da Lingoa de Iapam, literally Vocabulary of the Language of Japan) of 1603.[1]

Speculatively, might be related to root susa relating to "proceeding as hoped or desired", as seen in verbs 荒ぶ・進ぶ・遊ぶ (susabu), 荒む (susamu), perhaps from the idea of ensuring that the material works better.

Pronunciation

Noun

すさ • (susa) すさ (susa)?

  1. [from 1603] chopped straw mixed with other materials (mortar, clay, soil, etc.) used to reinforce walls and prevent cracks
    Synonym: 苆藁 (susawara)

Derived terms

References

  1. 1603, Vocabulario da Lingoa de Iapam, entry available online here, right-hand column, fourth entry down
  2. Matsumura, Akira, editor (2006), 大辞林 [Daijirin] (in Japanese), Third edition, Tōkyō: Sanseidō, →ISBN
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