u [`][ù] {SS::} pron. a form of the 2nd pers.
sing. that occurs as subject of a clause:
U rre nodẹ ― “You came yesterday.”

ube [' `][úbè] {SS:mu:} n. a variety of native drum
beaten by women mainly in palace
festivals.

ubi [' `][úbì] {SS:act:} n. a slap: Ọ fi ẹre ubi ―
“She gave him a slap.”

ubidọn [` ` `][ùbìdɔ̃̀] {SS:an:} n. cheetah.

ubiẹmwẹn [` ' `][ùbyɛ́mɛ̃̀] {SS:act:fa:} n. delivery; child-
birth.

ubo [` '][ùbó] {SS:fo:} n. a variety of creeper with
large edible fruit.

ubọmwẹn [` ' `][ùbɔ́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:act:re:} n. (< u ― bọ ―
mwẹn) the act of predicting through
oracle.

udahae [` ` ` ][ùdàhàe] {SS:hh:} n. a string of coral
beads worn across the forehead (as
part of a ceremonial dress) by the
Ọba and some senior chiefs.
%%

Udazi [' `][údazì] {SS:pn:} n. one of the praise
titles for the Supreme Being which
refers to his identity as the “Giver
of life”: “Osa n’Udazi.”

úde [' `][údè] {SS:bs:} n. a sickness that commonly
afflicts infants, caused by the enlarge-
ment of the spleen.

ùde [` `][ùdè] {SS:act:la:} n. advice, counsel: Ọvbokhan
na i họn ude ― “This child does
not heed advice.”

udefiagbọn [` ' `][ùdéfyagbɔ̃̀] {SS::} n. (< u ― de
― fi ― agbon) “one who dropped
into the world: an orphan; one without
friends or relatives.”^

udeguọghọ [` ' ` `][ùdéguɔ̀ɣɔ̀] {SS::} n. (< u ― de
― guogho) “falling and breaking”:
a term for a long string of coral beads
worn to hang down around the neck.

udemwunrri [` ` ` `][ùdèɱũ̀rì] {SS:time:} adv. sudden-
ly; without warning: Ọ ladian
udemwunrri ― “He appeared sudden-
ly.” (also udomwunrri).
$Page 147$

uderhu [' ` '][údèřú] {SS:bird:} n. (< u ― de ― rhu)
“falling upon”: the name of a variety
of hawk.

udẹn [' '][údɛ̃́] {SS:fo:} n. a liquid preparation made
from palm kernels and used as body-
oil.

udian [` '][ùdyã́] {SS:in:} n. tsetse-fly.

udienni [` ' `][ùdyẽ́nì] {SS:in:} n. (< udian ― eni)
“elephant tsetse-fly”: a variety of
fly, larger than udian, (hence the
name) and found mainly in the bush.
Its sting is very painful.

udin [` '][ùdĩ́] {SS:pl:} n. the oil palm tree.

udinmwẹn [` ' `][ùdĩ́ɱɛ̃̀] {SM:em:} n. 1. being cou-
rageous; 2. courage, bravery.

udinmwinmwẹn [` ' ' `][ùdĩ́ɱĩ́ɱɛ̃̀] {SM:loc:} n. 1.
depth; 2. being deep.

udọnmwẹn [` ' `][ùdɔ̃́ɱɛ̃̀] {SM:st:} n. 1. being lean;
2. leanness.

udu [` `][ùdù] {SM:bi:} n. 1. heart; 2. udu n’ ẹko ―
“heart of the stomach”: liver; 3.
udu n’ ohogha ― “the empty heart”:
lungs (spleen).

ududu [` ` `][ùdùdù] {SS:ob:} n. a lump; a piece of
compact mass (e.g. of chalk, clay,
dough, etc.): ududu-ugbe ― “a lump
of earth thrown as a missile.”

ufemwẹn [` ' `][ùféɱɛ̃̀] {SM:st:} n. 1. being rich; 2.
freedom; release from obligation or
bondage; 3. recovery from illness.

ufomwẹn [` ' `][ùfóɱɛ̃̀] {SS:time:} n. 1. end; ending.

ufua [` '][ùfwá] {SS:fo:} n. a variety of yam which
may be pounded even though it is
white.

ugamwẹn [` ' `][ùgáɱɛ̃̀] {SM:re:} n. 1. Christian
church service: ugamwẹn owiẹ:
%%

---

“morning service”; ugamwẹn ota ―
“evening service”; 2. the act of
serving.

ugan [` `][ùgã̀] {SS:to:} n. the poles in a yam
stack to which the yams are tied.

ugie [` '][ùgyé] {SS:nu:} num. twenty.

ugie [` `][ùgyè] {SM::} n. 1. a general term for
palace ceremonies, (such as iguẹ;
aguẹ; ugiama; ikhurhẹ; etc.); 2. a
celebration.

ugiọnmwinbi [' ' ` '][úgyɔ̃́ɱĩ̀bĩ́] {SS:pl:} n. charcoal.

ugo [` '][ùgó] {SS:pl:} n. wild yam-plant.

ugọngọn [' ' `][úgɔ̃́gɔ̃̀] {SM:loc:} n. 1. the sharp edge
of something: Ọ ya ugọgọn-obọ fi
ẹre emwin ― “He used the edge of
his hand to strike him”: “^He struck
him with the edge of his hand”; 2.
ugọngọn-iyeke ― “the spine.”

uguakpata [` ' ' '][ùgwákpátá] {SS::} n. a special
hair-cut worn only by the Ọba and
chiefs in which all the hair is shaved
except a curved strip at the top of
the head around the face.

ugue [` '][ùgwé] {SS::} n. cover; lid: Ọ ya ugue
ẹre gue ẹre ― “He covered it with
its lid.”

uguowẹ [' ' `][úgwówɛ̀] {SS:loc:} n. a very narrow
path.

uguu [` '`][ùgúù] {SS:bird:} n. vulture.

ugba [' `][úg͡bà] {SS:mu:} n. a kind of dance usually
performed at second burial cere-
monies.

ugbadiye [` ` ` `][ùg͡bàdìyɛ̀] {SS:an:} n. (< u ― gbe ―
adiyẹ) “that which kills chickens”
a fatal disease of chickens.

ugbaro [' ' `][úgbáɽò] {SM:be:} n. 1. forehead; 2.
$Page 148$

face.

ugbe [' '][úg͡bé] {SS:ob:} n. missile; stone e.g. pebble
used as a missile.

ugbefẹn [` ` '][ùg͡bèfɛ̃́] {SM:be:} n. 1. side of the
body; 2. a flat side of anything other
than the top surface: Ọ mwanmwaẹn
avbe iyan nii lele ugbefẹn ẹkpẹtin:
“He arranged those yams along the
side of the box.”

ugbemwẹn¹ [` ' `][ùg͡béɱɛ̃̀] {SM:mu:} n. (< u ― gbe
― mwẹn) 1. dancing; 2. dance.

ugbemwẹn² [` ' `][ùg͡béɱɛ̃̀] {SM:act:} n. (< u ― gbe
― mwẹn) 1. flogging; 2. beating.

ugbeto [` ` `][ùg͡bètò] {SS:hh:} n. scissors (also
alumagazi and etuheru).

ugbẹkun [` ` `][ùg͡bɛ̀kũ̀] {SS:hh:} n. belt.

Ugbẹkun [` ` `][ùg͡bɛ̀kũ̀] {SS:pn:} n. the name of a
village.

ugbẹn [` `][ùg͡bɛ̃̀] {SS:time:} n. period; time: De ugbẹn
ne u ya rre ― “What time that you
use to come?: When did you come?”;
(ugbẹn-eso) (cf. ugbẹnso).

ugbẹnso [` ` '][ùg͡bɛ̃̀só] {SM:time:} adv. (< ugben ―
eso) 1. sometimes; occasionally: Ọ
sẹ emwan ugbẹnso ― “He comes
here occasionally”^; 2. perhaps; maybe:
Nọọ ọnrẹn ghe, ugbẹnso ọ gha rẹn
ọnrẹn ― “Ask him and see, perhaps
he will know it.”

ugbẹrherhe [` ` ` `][ùg͡bɛ̀řèřè] {SS:bs:} n. a sickness
of infants ― a condition clinically
known as “displaced fontanel” (“^the
fontanel is the membranous space
in an infant’s head at adjacent angles
of the parietal bones.”).

ugbidian [` ` `][ùg͡bìdyã̀] {SS::} n. fly-whisk (also
ugbudian).
%%

ugbihan [` ` `][ùg͡bìhã̀] {SS:loc:} n. the blind side; a
position in which one is unguarded:
Ọ la ugbihan miẹ mwẹn re ― “He
came from my blind side to take
it away from me.”

ugbo [' '][úg͡bó] {SS:loc:} n. farm: Ọ mu ugbo vbe
igue ― “He has a farm in the village.”

ugbogiorinmwin [' ' ' ` `][úg͡bógyóɽĩ̀ɱĩ̀] {SS:re:} n. a
mythical monstrosity believed to reside
in the erinmwin; he is said to be
very ugly and frightful; hence 2.
a nickname for a deformed or very
ugly person.

ugbogbogan [` ' ' '][ùg͡bógbógã́] {SS:pe:} n. a term
for a person who is very difficult
to work or live with.

ugboghodo [` ` ` `][ùg͡bòɣòdò] {SS:loc:} n. a depres-
sion on the ground; a shallow pit.

ugboloko [` ` ` `][ùg͡bòlòkò] {SS:bi:} n. bone; skel-
eton.

ugborre [` ' `][ùg͡bórè] {SS:fo:} n. shea butter.

ugbudian [` ` `][ùg͡bùdyã̀] {SS::} n. cf. ugbidian.

ugbugbe [` ' `][ùg͡búg͡bè] {SS:re:} n. 1. cross (in the
Christian sense).

ugbugbe [` ' `][ùg͡búg͡bè] {SM:loc:} adv. 1. horizontal-
ly: Ọ mwanmwan erhan nii ugbugbe
ye iba ― “He arranged the wood
horizontally on the slab.”; 2. crosswise.

ugbugbẹhia [` ' `][ùg͡búgbɛhià] {SS:time:} adv. always;
regularly; often: Ọ sẹ òwa mwẹn
ugbugbẹhia ― “He visits my house
regularly.”

ugha [` `][ùɣà] {SM:ho:} n. 1. a special section of
the palace (in the form of a quad-
rangle) where the Ọba is buried and
his shrine installed.; 2. room.

ughaẹn [` `][ùɣãɛ̃̀] {SS:nu:} n. 1. of a different
$Page 149$

sort: Ughaẹn ọghomwẹn khin ―
“Mine is of a different kind.”

ughanmwan [` ` `][ùɣã̀ɱã̀] {SS:to:} n. axe.

ughanmwẹn¹ [` ' `][ùɣã́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:ec:} n. (< u ―
ghaan ― mwẹn) being expensive.

ughanmwẹn² [` ' `][ùɣã́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:em:} n. (< u ― ghan
― mwẹn) arrogance; haughtiness.

úghe [` '][ùɣé] {SM:mu:} n. 1. a show; a perform-
ance (e.g. of dances or acrobatic
display); 2. look; gaze; stare: Ughe
ne ọ ghe mwẹn re ma yẹẹ mwen ―
“The way that she looked at me did
not please me.”

úghe [' `][úɣè] {SS:loc:} n. the entrance into a
village.

ughegbe [` ` `][ùɣègbè] {SS:hh:} n. mirror; 2. any
object of glass: ughegbe-aro ― “eye-
glasses; spectacles.”

ughẹdẹ [` ` `][ùɣɛ̀dɛ̀] {SS:hh:} n. sun-glasses.

ugho [` `][ùɣò] {SS:mu:} n. a kind of dance.

ughọtọn [' ` '][úɣɔ̀tɔ̃́] {SS:loc:} n. the name of an
Ẹdo coastal village which served as
the port for the first European visitors
to Benin. It is also known as Gwatto.

ughu [' `][úɣù] {SM:loc:} n. 1. boundary line.; 2.
line of demarcation between two
properties: Ọ kọ ivin ye ughu ― “He
planted a coconut tree along the
boundary line.” (cf. uwu).

ughugha [' ' `][úɣúɣà] {SS:ho:} n. room; bedroom.

ughughan [` ' `][ùɣúɣã̀] {SS:nu:} n. different types
or kinds: Emwin ughughan ẹre ọ viọ
gie ima ― “Different kinds of things
were what he brought us.”

ughughọn [' ' '][úɣúɣɔ̃́] {SS:an:} n. empty snail-
shell.
%%

ughunghunmwun [` ` ` `][ùɣũ̀ɣũ̀ɱũ̀] {SM:pl:} n. 1.
roots of large trees that appear as
stumps above the surface of the
ground; 2. tree stump.

uhae [' ` ][úhàe] {SS:loc:} n. well: Amẹ nẹ ọ rre
uhae na hian gbe ― “The water in
this well is very clear.”

uhaeso [' ' `][úháesò] {SS:bird:} n. a bird; swallow.

uhanbọ [' ' `][úhã́bɔ̀] {SS:to:} n. bow (for shooting
with an arrow ― ifẹnmwẹn).

uharo [' ' `][úháɽò] {SS:be:} n. forehead (also ẹhae;
ugbaro).

uhe [` '][ùhé] {SM:be:} n. 1. vagina; vulva; 2. anus;
3. the lower end of an object (esp.
that with a normal vertical stance).

uhẹ [' `][úhɛ̀] {SS:pn:} n. the Edo name for Ifẹ.

uhi [` `][ùhì] {SM::} n. 1. law: Ọ rra uhi ― “He
committed a breach of the law.”^; 2.
custom. (cf. iyi).

uhiamwẹn [` ' `][ùháɱɛ̃̀] {SS::} n. struggling (cop-
ing with problems or difficulties);
keeping up appearances.

uhiri [' ` `][úhìɽì] {SS:an:} n. a variety of large ape;
a baboon.

uhobo [` ` `][ùhòbò] {SS:pn:} n. the Edo name for
the Urhobo people and their language.

uhoro [' ' `][úhóɽò] {SS::} n. pawpaw.

uhukpa [' ][úhukpa] {SM::} adv. (also urukpa)
1. once: Uhukpa ẹre ọ sẹ emwan ―
“He came here only once”^; 2. instant-
ly; at once: Ọ na wa sa eve rua uhukpa
― “She simply broke into tears instant-
ly.”^ (usually with “nii” in this second
sense).

uhuanmwẹn [` ' `][ùhwã́ɱɛ̃̀] {SM:st:} n. 1. cleanli-
ness; neatness; 2. being clean.
$Page 150$

uhunmwonva [` ' ' `][ùhṹɱṍvà] {SS:bs:} n. illness;
sickness (usually serious).

uhunmwun¹ [` ' `][ùhṹɱũ̀] {SM:be:} n. 1. head: Ọ
mu ihẹ yan uhunmwun ― “She carried
a load on her head”^; 2. the top of;
the upper end of an object: Ọ tota
ye uhunmwun eteburu ― “She sat
on top of the table.”^; 3. the important
part of an issue: uhunmwun ẹmwẹn ―
“an important point.”

uhunmwun² [` ' `][ùhṹɱũ̀] {SS:la:} n. errand; mes-
sage: Ọ gie mwẹn uhunmwun ― “He
sent me on an errand.”

uhunrun [` ` '][ùhũ̀ɽṹ] {SS:time:} n. the last day of
a period of 9 days; the 9th day. Ọ
khin uhunrun i ke ghi vbe miọọn ―
“It will be nine days’ time before I
see you again.”

ukata [` ` `][ùkàtà] {SS:cl:} n. a straw hat with
broad rims.

uké [` '][ùké] {SS:cl:} n. a pad used as filler in
special hair styles (such as okuku)
to give the hair a fuller look.

ukè¹ [` `][ùkè] {SS:mu:} n. a kind of merry dance
which entails short quick steps and
stamping of the feet.

ukè² [` `][ùkè] {SS:bs:} n. a cripple.

ukegbe [` ' `][ùkégbè] {SS:be:} n. lap: Ọ mu ọmọ
yan ukegbe ― “She carried the child
on her laps.”

ukeke [` ' '][ùkéké] {SM:to:} n. 1. a piece of stick;
a peg; 2. a pen.

ukẹn [` '][ùkɛ̃́] {SS:be:} n. kinky hair.

uki [` `][ùkì] {SM:time:} n. 1. moon; 2. month.

ukiọnfọn [` ` `][ùkyɔ̃̀fɔ̃̀] {SM:cl:} n. (also ukhiọnfọn)
1. scarf; 2. handkerchief.
%%

uko [' '][úkó] {SS:fo:} n. calabash (usually used
as containers for various household
items)^: ukamẹ (< uko ― amẹ):
“calabash of water”; ukedọlọ ― (<
uko ― edọlọ) “calabash used for
holding the muddy solution used for
rubbing the walls and floors of the
house; a calabash dish used for holding
various liquids; etc.”

ukodo [` ` `][ùkòdò] {SS:hh:} n. a deep pot used
for cooking soups and porridge.

ukohunmwun [` ` ` `][ùkòhũ̀ɱũ̀] {SS:hh:} n. pillow.

ukòko¹ [' ` `][úkòkò] {SS:to:} n. pipe.

ukóko² [' ' '][úkókó] {SS:be:} n. 1. joint, angle:
ukoko-abọ ― “elbow”; ukoko owẹ ―
“ankle.”

ukokọghọ [' ' `][úkokɔ́ɣɔ̀] {SM:be:} n. 1. a small
calabash used for storing medicine.;
2. a casual term for the young breasts
of an adolescent.

ukoni [` ` `][ùkònì] {SS:ho:} n. kitchen.

ukorobozo [` ` ` ` `][ùkòɽòbòzò] {SS:bird:} n. a variety
of wild-fowl.

ukotin [` ' '][ùkótĩ́] {SS:cl:} n. a straight hair-pin
used by hair-plaiters for parting hair.

ukọ¹ [' `][úkɔ̀] {SM:pe:} n. 1. messenger, delegate:
Avbe ukọ ne iran gie rre nakhin ―
“These are the delegates that they
sent down.”; 2. (in contemporary
use): Commissioners or Ministers of
government: Ukọ ne ọ gbaro ghe
ẹmwẹn ígho ― “The Commissioner
in-charge of Finance.”

ukọ² [' `][úkɔ̀] {SS:la:act:} n. blame; query: Ọ kan
mwẹn ukọ ígho ne i ma miẹ rhie
nẹẹ ― “He blamed me for the money
I did not have to give him.”

ukọnghọnrọn [` ' ` '][ùkɔ̃́ɣɔ̃̀ɽɔ̃́] {SS::} n. a formid-
$Page 151$

able task or difficult assignment; a
stalemate: Iwinna ọnrẹn khin
ukọnghọnrọn ― “His case has become
a stalemate.”

ukọnmwẹn [` ' `][ùkɔ̃́ɱɛ̀] {SS:st:} n. foolishness;
stupidity.

Uku [' '][úkú] {SS:pn:} n. one of the praise-names
for the Oba: “Uku-Akpọlọkpọlọ”.

ukugba [` ` `][ùkùgbà] {SM:bs:} n. 1. belt.; 2. disease:
inflammation of the groin glands.

ukugbakẹghẹrẹ [` ' ` ' `][ùkúgbakɛ̀ɣɛ́ɽɛ̀] {SS:time:} adv.
1. always; all the time; at all times:
Ukugbakẹghẹrẹ ẹre ọ ya viẹ ― “He
cries all the time.”

ukuoki [' ][úkwoi] {SS:cl:} n. a pad used for
wedging a load on the head.

ukusẹ [' ' `][úkúsɛ̀] {SS:mu:} n. a musical instrument
in the form of a round calabash rattle,
played mainly by women.

ukhiọnfọn [` ` `][ùxyɔ̃̀fɔ̃̀] {SS::} n. cf. ukiọnfọn.

ukhiọnmwẹn [` ' `][ùxyɔ̃́ɱɛ̃̀] {SM:nu:} n. 1. half; 2.
portion of; part, rather than whole:
Ukhiọnmwẹn ẹre ọ ru iwinna nii
re ― “He only did a portion of that
work.”

ukhọn [` `][ùxɔ̃̀] {SS:be:} n. navel.

ukhú¹ [` '][ùxú] {SS:act:} n. gag.

ukhú² [` '][ùxú] {SS:pl:} n. the sprouting tip of a
germinating seed.

ukhù [` `][ùxù] {SS:fa:} n. inheritance (also arevbu-
khu).

úkhuerhe [' ` `][úxwèřè] {SS:pl:} n. sugar-cane.

ùkhuerhe [` ' '][ùxwéřé] {SS:hh:} n. a low stool.

ukhuegbe [` ' `][ùxwégbè] {SS:be:} n. skin.
%%

ukhuẹn [` '][ùxwɛ̃́] {SS:hh:} n. the fibrous remains
of the oil palm fruit after the oil
has been extracted and the kernels
shelled and removed. It is often used
as fire-kindler or in the preparation
of native soap.

ukhukhu [' `][úxuxù] {SS:pl:} n. the thick dried-
out bark of trees, usually gathered
and used for kindling fire.

ukhukhu [' ` `][úxùxù] {SS:nu:} adj. individual va-
rieties; different kinds (of things):
Ukhùkhu ehan ẹre ọ viọ rre ― “Six
different kinds were what he brought”.

ukhùnmwun¹ [` ` `][ùxũ̀ɱũ̀] {SM:loc:} n. 1^.^ sky (also
odukhunmwun; iso); 2. up: Ọ hin
ukhùnmwun bu ẹre ― “He climbed
up to meet him.”

ukhùnmwun² [` ` `][ùxũ̀ɱũ̀] {SM:bs:} n. 1. med-
icine; drug; medication: Ọ kpogho
ukhùnmwun nẹẹ wọn ― “He mixed
some medicine for him to drink”;
2. magic charm: Ọ ru ukhùnmwun
osisi nẹẹ ― “He made a charm against
guns for him.”

ukhúnmwun [` ' `][ùxṹɱũ̀] {SM:bs:time:} n. 1. famine;
2^.^ the period of two months before
harvesting season.

ukhurhẹ [` ` `][ùxùřɛ̀] {SS:re:} n. a carved staff which
constitutes part of ancestral shrines.

ukpa [' '][úk͡pá] {SM:hh:} n. 1. lamp; lantern; 2.
any artificial source of light, such as
the electric bulb or a car light: Ọ
rhu ukpa yọ mwẹn aro ― “He beamed
his lights (car-lights) into my eyes.”

ukpabọ [` ` `][ùk͡pàbɔ̀] {SS:hh:} n. a wash-basin.

ukpafẹn [` ` `][ùk͡pàfɛ̃̀] {SS:ho:} n. the floor drain
or gutter in the quadrangle of tradi-
tional Edo houses.

ukpakọn [' ' `][úk͡pákɔ̃̀] {SS:fo:} n. chewing stick.
$Page 152$

ukparanmwẹn [` ' ' `][ùkpáɽã́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:bs:} n. (also
ukparo) a disease which is often
described as “coated tongue”; symp-
toms include lack of appetite, fever,
and constipation.

úkpewẹn [' ' `][úk͡péwɛ̃̀] {SS:bs:} n. a disease: pal-
pitation.

ùkpewen [` ' `][ùk͡péwɛ̃̀] {SS:be:} n. tip of the
breast; teat; nipple.

ukpẹ [ '][ûk͡pɛ́] {SM:loc:} n. 1. point; tip: Ọ ya
ukpẹ-olodẹ so ẹre ― “He jabbed it
with the tip of a needle.”; 2. beak;
lips: ukpẹ-ahianmwẹn ― “the beak
of a bird.”

ùkpo [` '][ùk͡pó] {SS:time:} n. 1. year; ùkpo nọgberra
― “last year.”

úkpo¹ [' `][úk͡pò] {SM:hh:} n. 1. bed; 2^.^ couch.

úkpo² [' `][úk͡pò] {SM:loc:} n. 1. paved road; 2.
street.

úkpo³ [' `][úk͡pò] {SS:loc:} n. position, rank: Úkpo
nọkhua ọ ye vbe eke ne ọ na winna ―
“He is in a high position where he
works.”

ukpogie [` ' `][ùk͡pógyè] {SS:loc:} n. rank order:
ukpogieva ― “second”; ukpogieha ―
“third”; ukpogigbe ― “tenth”; etc.

ukpogho [` ' '][ùk͡póɣó] {SM:bs:} n. 1. cowrie; 2. a
disease of the eye in which the eye-
ball is partially or wholly covered by
a white blotch and thereby resulting
in partial or total impairment of
vision; cataract.

úkpokpo [' ` `][úk͡pòk͡pò] {SS:hh:} n. a staff; a walk-
ing stick.

ùkpokpo [` ` `][ùk͡pòk͡pò] {SS:st:} n. trouble; harass-
ment; nuisance.

ukpomobiẹ [` ' ' `][ùk͡pómóbyɛ̀] {SS:bird:} n. the name
%%

for the different varieties of sunbirds.

ukpọbian [` ' `][ùkpɔ́byã̀] {SS:bird:} n. a small variety
of squirrel.

ukpọkhọkhọ [` ' `][ùkpɔ́xɔxɔ̀] {SS:cl:} n. “the beak
of a chicken”: the name of a special
hair style worn by the Ọba’s wives.

ukpọlọmwẹn [` ' '][ùk͡pɔ́lɔɱɛ̃́] {SM:st:} n. 1. fat-
ness; 2^.^ being large-sized: Vbe
ukpọlọmwẹn ọnrẹn a sẹ hẹẹ? “How
big is it?”.

ukpọn [` `][ùk͡pɔ̃̀] {SM:cl:} n. 1. cloth; 2. women’s
wrapper: ukpenhe (< ukpọn ― ehe):
the dressing used for menstruation.

ukpu [' `][úkpù] {SM:hh:} n. 1. cup; drinking glass;
2. measuring cup (esp. for selling rice,
grain, garri, etc.): mwaan ukpu eva
yọ ― “Measure two cups into it.”

ukpukpẹ [' ' `][úk͡púk͡pɛ̀] {SM:mu:} n. 1. a kind of
brisk dance in which dancers jog
up and down to a fast-beat song
and music. It is usually performed
during second-burial processions, and
thanksgiving processions by chiefs; 2.
(fig.) an ordeal of going back and
forth for a cause that seems endless:
Ke ne ọ ya gha khuọnmwin gha dee,
ukpukpẹ asokito ẹre i gbe ― “Since
he became sick till now,
I have been going back and forth to
the hospital.”

ulakpa [` ` '][ùlàk͡pá] {SS:ho:} n. red laterite soil con-
sidered good for house-building, but
not for farming; “ulakpa n’ ogiekẹn” ―
a euphemism for “the grave.”

ule [' '][úlé] {SS:em:} n. a state of excitement,
possibly generated by alchohol or
other intoxicants.

ulelefe [` ` ` `][ùlèlèfè] {SS:loc:} n. ant-hill.

ulẹ [` '][ùlɛ́] {SM:pe:} n. 1. race; Rẹn ẹre ọ ban
$Page 153$

---

mwẹn vbe ulẹ ne ima rhiere ― “He
was the one who finished first in the
race that we held.”; 2. flight (fleeing):
Ulẹ ẹre ọ ya kpaọ vbe ẹvbo nii ― “He
went away in flight from that town.”

uloko [` ' `][ùlókò] {SS:pl:} n. Iroko tree.

ulọka [` ` `][ùlɔ̀kà] {SS:fo:} n. a kind of corn-cake
eaten as a snack.

ulọmwan [` ' `][ùlɔ́ɱã̀] {SS:act:} n. an order restrict-
ing the public from coming near
certain locations where secret cere-
monies are being performed.

uma [` `][ùmà] {SS:act:} n. 1. a secret meeting set
up to plot against someone, or to
decide on issues disapproved of by
speaker: Iran ya so uma nasọn ―
“They held a secret meeting last
night.”

umamwẹn [` ' `][ùmã́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:st:} n. being good or
beneficial; progress: Umamwẹn ẹvbo
na ẹre ima gualọ ― “It is the good
of this town that we seek.”

umaranmwẹn [` ' ' `][ùmáɽã́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:la:} n. a fable;
a story about animals.

umẹ [` '][ùmɛ̃́] {SS::} n. the red dye obtained
from the camwood tree.

umẹwaẹn [` ' ` ][ùmɛ̃́wã̀ɛ̃] {SS:pe:} n. a wise person;
an intelligent person.

umian [` '][ùmyã́] {SS:act:} n. hallucination; illusion.

Umogun [' ` '][úmõ̀gṹ] {SS:pn:} n. the royal family
of Benin; their sib greeting is
“Lamogun.”

umozo [` ` `][ùmõ̀zò] {SS:to:} n. sword.

umọbiẹ [' ` `][úmɔ̃̀byɛ̀] {SS:fa:} n. a woman who
gives birth to many children; a very
fertile woman.
%%

umọbọ [` ` `][ùmɔ̃̀bɔ̀] {SM:fa:} n. 1. a foster child;
2. any foster-relation (used with
the term of the relative): umọberha ―
“foster father.” umọbiye ― “foster
mother”; etc.

umọdia [' ` `][úmɔ̃̀dià] {SS:loc:} n. the stretch of
visible distance: Ọ dee vbe umọdia ―
“He is approaching in the distance.”

umọmọ [` ' `][ùmɔ̃́mɔ̃̀] {SS:to:} n. hammer.

umuadiyẹ [` ` ` `][ùmwã̀dìyɛ̀] {SS:an:} n. (also um-
uọkhọkhọ) tiger-cat (also translated
as “fox” by Melzian).

umuọkhọkhọ [` ` ` `][ùmwɔ̃̀xɔ̀xɔ̀] {SS:an:} n. cf. um-
uadiyẹ.

umwan [` '][ùɱã́] {SM:unit:} n. 1. scale.; 2. a measur-
ing instrument.

umwẹn [` '`][ùɱɛ̃́ɛ̃̀] {SS:fo:} n. salt.

umwọnmwẹn [' `][úɱɔ̃ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:st:} n. equality;
being equal: Umwọnmwẹn ẹre iran
ye ― “They are equal.”

uniẹ [' '][únyɛ̃́] {SS:fo:} n. a kind of hot spice,
used in medicinal sauces.

uniẹrẹ [` ' `][ùnyɛ̃́ɽɛ̀] {SS:time:} n. four days hence.

unu [` '][ùnṹ] {SM:be:} n. 1. mouth; 2. generally
entrance (esp. a narrow one) or access
route into an enclosed area: unu-odẹ ―
“gate-way: the entrance.”

unuẹhẹn [' ' `][únwɛ̃́hɛ̃̀] {SS:hh:} n. (also uruẹnhẹn)
a deep soup spoon used for scooping
soup.

uremwẹn [` ' `][ùɽéɱɛ̃̀] {SS:act:} n. burial.

uri [` '][ùɽí] {SS:nu:} num. two hundred.

uro [' '][úɽó] {SS:loc:} n. line; ordered fashion: Ọ
ya iran ye uro: 1. “He placed them
into line: He made them orderly.”
$Page 154$

urodẹ [' ' `][úɽódɛ̀] {SM:loc:} n. 1. passage way; 2.
the middle of the road: Ghẹ mudia
ye urodẹ ― “Don’t stand in the middle
of the road.”

uroramẹ [' ` ' `][úɽòɽámɛ̀] {SS:loc:} n. a narrow drain;
a gutter.

uru [` `][ùɽù] {SS:hh:} n. a big bulging narrow-
necked bottle, usually cased in wicker,
and used for storing or selling palm-
wine.

uruki [' `][úrukì] {SS:re:} n. a magical or spiritual
force that acts on people and thereby
causes them to act in a contrary
manner.

uruvba [' ` '][úrùʋá] {SS:act:} n. boil.

urhe [' `'][úřèé] {SS:an:} n. a kind of snail.

urho [` `][ùřò] {SM:loc:} n. 1. gate; entrance; 2.
door: ọ kie urho laọ owa ― “He
opened the door and entered the
house.”

urhomwẹn [` ' `][ùřóɱɛ̃̀] {SS:act:} n. adulation; wor-
ship.

Urhonigbe [` ` ' `][ùřònígbè] {SS:pn:} n. the name of
an Edo town.

urhu [` `][ùřù] {SM:be:} n. 1. neck; Ọ se ivie ye
urhu ― “He wears a coral necklace
around his neck.”; 2. voice: Urhu
ẹre la gbe ― “His voice is too loud.”

urhuabọ [` ' `][ùřwábɔ̀] {SS:be:} n. (< urhu ― abọ):
“neck of the hand”: wrist.

urhuaro [` ` `][ùřwàɽò] {SS:pl:} n. (< u ― rhu ― aro)
“that which blinds the eye”: a variety
of cactus whose sap is believed to
cause blindness.

urhuawẹ [` ' `][ùřwáwɛ̀] {SS:be:} n. (< urhu ― owẹ)
“neck of the leg”: ankle.
%%

urhukpa [` ` `][ùřùkpà] {SM:hh:} n. 1. lantern; 2^.^ lamp.

urria [' `][úryà] {SS:loc:} n. far distance: Urria ọ ke
dee ― “It is from a far distance that
he is coming.”

urrisẹ [` ' `][ùrísɛ̀] {SS::} n. (< urro ― isẹ) “the
tray of isẹ”: the portions of the
wooden frame of the isẹ game in which
seeds gained in the course of a game
are kept. (also ogi-urrisẹ).

urro [` `][ùrò] {SS:hh:} n. a flat wooden tray with
a rim used as a kitchen implement.
Soup ingredients are ground on it
by means of a wooden dumb-bell:
ovbi-urunmwun.

Usama [' ` '][úsàmá] {SS:pn:} n. a site at the Ọlọtọn
quarter used for some of the cere-
monies of the Oba’s coronation.

usana [` ' '][ùsáná] {SS:hh:} n. matches.

use [` '][ùsé] {SS:act:} n. assistance (mainly in the
form of physical labour) which used
to be rendered reciprocally and
mutually among neighbours.

Use [` `][ùsè] {SS:pn:} n. the name of an Edo
village.

Uselu [` ` '][ùsèlú] {SS:pn:} n. the quarter of Benin
where the Edaikẹn has his court.

usẹ [` '][ùsɛ́] {SM:st:} n. 1. poverty; destitution: Ọ
kpẹre ne usẹ ke sọe ― “It is a long
time since he has been stricken by
poverty”^; 2. general want: usẹ-ígho ―
“want for money”; usẹ-ọmọ ― “want
for children”; etc.

usẹn [` '][ùsɛ̃́] {SS:time:} n. a period of five days:
usiẹnre (usẹn-ẹre): “five days hence.”

usi [` `][ùsì] {SS:st:} n. fame; renown.

usi [` '][ùsí] {SS:ob:} n. starch; carbohydrate.
$Page 155$

usie [` '][ùsyé] {SS:pe:} n. a nickname for a very
dark complexioned person.

usimwọngbẹn [' ` '][úsiɱɔ̃̀gbɛ́] {SS:nu:} adj. num-
erous; very many: Usimwọngbẹn ẹvbo
ẹre ọ rre: “The people who came
were numerous.”

usun [` '][ùsṹ] {SM:ob:} n. 1. things or people ar-
ranged in a file or row: Iran ya usun
dee ― “They are coming in files”;
2. some, from among a crowd; a
portion (of a large number of people
or things). Usun vbọ maa; enikẹre
i maa ― “Some of them are good,
the others are not.”

usunbunmwẹndin [' ' ' ` '][úsṹbṹɱɛ̃̀dĩ́] {SS:pl:} n.
the remains of the oil-palm bunch
after the fruits have been removed.

usunsẹn [` ' `][ùsṹsɛ̃̀] {SS:time:} adv. (< usẹn ― usẹn)
every five days.

utete [' ` `][útètè] {SS:loc:} n. a low hill.

utianmwẹn [` ' `][ùtỹã́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:act:} n. praise; com-
mendation.

utọmwẹn [` ' `][ùtɔ́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:time:} n. longevity.

utọnyotọ [` ` ` `][ùtɔ̃̀yòtɔ̀] {SS:to:} n. (< u ― tọn ―
ye ― otọ) “what is dug in the ground”:
a big drinking-pot buried to the rim
in the ground in order to keep the
water cool.

utukpumwenrhan [' ' ' ` '][útúkpúɱẽ̀řã́] {SS:pl:} n.
a low tree stump.

utumwẹn [` ' `][ùtúɱɛ̃̀] {SM:act:} n. 1. crying; 2.
shouting.

utun [` '][ùtṹ] {SS:pl:} n. mushroom.

uvẹ [` `][ùvɛ̀] {SS:bi:} n. marrow bone.

uvianmwẹn [` ' `][ùvyã́ɱɛ̃̀] {SM:act:} n. 1. complaints
and regrets (usually about what one
%%

lacks or needs); (also ovian); 2^.^ the
act of making such complaints.

uviẹn [' `][úvyɛ̃̀] {SS:loc:} n. line, file; row: Ọ
mwamnwan ibieka nii ye uviẹn ―
“He arranged the children in a line.”

uviẹmwẹn [` ' `][ùvyɛ́ɱɛ̃̀] {SM:act:} n. 1. crying; 2.
lamentation (e.g. for the dead). (also
eve).

uvun [` '][ùvṹ] {SS:loc:} n. a hole; uvun-ehọ ―
“ear passage”: the pierced hole on
the ear-lobe for ear-rings; uvun-ihue
― “nostril.”

uvbemwẹn [` ' `][ùʋéɱɛ̃̀] {SS:st:} n. scarcity; limited
supply.

uvbi [` '][ùʋí] {SM:fa:} n. 1. a girl or woman of
royal birth.; 2. a young woman:
miss (also ọvbokhan-uvbi).

uwa¹ [` `][ùwà] {SS::} pron. a form of the 2nd
pers. pl. pronoun.: you pl.

uwa² [` `][ùwà] {SS:st:ec:} n. prosperity; well-being;
affluence.

uwanmwẹn [` ' `][ùwã́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS::} n. brightness;
uwanmwẹn-ẹdẹ ― “day-light”; “the
brightness of the day.”; 2. growing;
development; 3. wisdom.

uwawa [` ` `][ùwàwà] {SS:hh:} n. cooking clay-pot
(usually used for making soups).

uwaya [' ' `][úwáyà] {SM:com:} n. 1. wire; 2. telegraph.

uwẹ [` `][ùwɛ̀] {SS::} pron. a form of the 2nd
pers. sgl. pronoun: you.

uwẹnrhiẹn [' ` '][úwɛ̃̀řyɛ̃́] {SS:to:} n. cane; whip.

uwẹnrhiọntan [' ` ' `][úwɛ̃̀řyɔ̃́tã̀] {SS:pl:} n. (<
uwẹnrhiẹn ― ọtan) “squirrel’s whip”: a
plant: Glyphaea laterifolia.

uwoha [' ' `][úwóhà] {SS:pl:} n. (< uwu ― oha) in
$Page 156$

the thick of the jungle; inside the
bush.

uwowà [' ' `][úwówà] {SS:loc:} n. (< uwu ― owa)
within the house; indoors (as against
outside). Ọ la uwowa ― “He went
indoors.”

uwowá [' ' '][úwówá] {SS:loc:} n. (< uwu ― owa)
within the shed: Ọ rre uwowa ―
“It is inside the shed.”

uwọnmwẹn [` ` `][ùwɔ̃̀ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:fo:} n. native soup,
used for eating meals like ema, ẹbae,
akasan, etc.

ùwu¹ [` '][ùwú] {SS:st:} n. death.

úwu² [' `][úwù] {SS::} n. cf. ughu.

uwú³ [' '][úwú] {SM:loc:} n. 1. the inside of a thing
(esp. a container or vessel); 2. within.

uye [` `][ùyè] {SS:loc:} n. a ditch; a pit.

uyẹngbe [` ` `][ùyɛ̃̀gbè] {SS:hh:} n. tray; uyẹngbe-
emuẹn ― “ash-tray.”

uyẹnghẹn [' ` '][úyɛ̃̀ɣɛ̃́] {SS:an:} n. a variety of
brown rat with white stripes down
its back.

uyi [' `][úyì] {SS:act:} n. honour; prestige: Iran rhie
uyi ẹre nẹẹn ― “They accorded him
the honour that was due to him.”

uyinmwẹn [` ' `][ùyĩ́ɱɛ̃̀] {SM:act:} n. 1. behaviour;
%%

conduct; manner: Uyinmwẹn ọnrẹn i
ma ― “Her conduct is not good.”; 2.
custom; tradition: uyinmwẹn Ẹdo:
“Ẹdo custom.”

uyunmwun [` ` `][ùyũ̀ɱũ̀] {SS:time:} n. dry season ―
from December to early April.

uza [` `][ùzà] {SS:act:} n. destructive mischief; dam-
age.

Uzama [` ' `][ùzámà] {SS:pn:} n. the council of seven
chiefs made up of: Oliha, Edọhẹn,
Ezọmọ; Ẹro; Ehọlọ n’Irre, Ọlọtọn
and Edaikẹn.

uze [` '][ùzé] {SS:act:} n. handle.

uzekhae [` ` ` ][ùzèxàe] {SS:loc:} n. a sandy heap; a
sandy play-ground (for children).

uzẹbu¹ [` ` '][ùzɛ̀bú] {SS:ec:} n. (of ígho) counter-
feit money.

Uzẹbu² [` ` '][ùzɛ̀bú] {SS:pn:} n. the quarter in Benin
where the court of Chief Ezọmọ is.

uzẹmwẹn [` ' `][ùzɛ́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:st:} n. arrogance; con-
ceit.

uzo [' `][úzò] {SS:an:} n. antelope.

uzọla [' ` '][úzɔ̀lá] {SS:time:} n. week (cf. izọla).

uzuanmwẹn [` ' `][ùzwã́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:act:} n. displaying
(often brazenly) the desire for other
people’s food.