i [`][ì] {SS::} pron. Non-emphatic first pers.
sgl. subj. pronoun: I.: I rrie owa ―
I am going home.

ibá [' '][íbá] {SS:act:} n. mischief: Ọvbọkhan na zẹ
iba gbe ― “This child makes mischief
excessively: This child is extremely
mischievous.”

ibà [' `][íbà] {SS:ob:} n. mud bench; slab: iba-orere:
%%

---

“the mud bench on the front
veranda”; iba-iyekowa: “the mud-
bench on the back veranda”, etc.

ibaba [` ` `][ìbàbà] {SS:hh:} n. brass bracelet worn
by princesses.

ibaigban [` ` `][ìbaìg͡bã̀] {SS::} idiom. “planting a
thorn”: the act of declaring a woman
an oloi (a wife of the Ọba) or a boy
$Page 063$

an ọmada (sceptre-bearer of the Ọba).

ibalegbe [` ` ` `][ìbàlèg͡bè] {SS:bs:} n. (< i-balọ-egbe):
quick temper; hot temper. (cf.
egbebalọmwẹn).

ibaro [` ` `][ìbàrò] {SS:st:} n. long-suffering; ordeal.

ibata [' ` `][íbàtà] {SM:cl:} n. 1. shoe, footwear (cf.
Bata Shoe Co.); 2. a measuring unit
equivalent to one foot.

ibi [` '][ìbí] {SM:ob:} n. 1. charcoal; 2. soot.

ibiba [' ' '][íbíbá] {SS::} adv. especially; in partic-
ular: Gbe iran hia, ibiba enọdiọn ne
ọ rrọọ ― Beat all of them, especially
the oldest one among them.

íbiẹ [ '][ibyɛ́] {SS:bi:} n. intestines.

ìbiẹ¹ [` '][ìbyɛ́] {SS:fa:} n. the male youth in a
household; also ibiẹguae.

ìbiẹ² [` '][ìbyɛ́] {SS:la:} n. a secret language used
by the members of the Iwebo society.
It is said to contain many Portuguese
words.

ibiẹka [` `' `][ìbìɛ́kà] {SM:fa:} n. 1. young children;
2. dependants (includes wives,
children, wards and servants); pl. of
both ọvbókhan and ọvbòkhan.

ibiẹkikhuo [ `' ' `][ibìɛ́kíxuò] {SS:fa:} n. (< ibieka-
ikhuo) “female children”: girls (usually
7 ― 14 years of age); young ladies.

ibiekikpia [` `' ' `][ìbìɛ́kíkpià] {SS:fa:} n. (< ibieka-
ikpia) “male children”: boys (usually
7 ― 14 years of age); young men.

ibiẹrrugha [ ` ' `][ibɛ̀rrúɣà] {SS:fa:} n. (< ibiẹ-rre
ugha) “male youth that are in the
chamber”: the young men in the
service of the Ọba in the palace, such
as retired emada (sceptre bearers);
and the younger members of the
Iwẹguae, Ibiwe and Iwebo societies.
%%

ibiriki [' ' ' `][íbíríkì] {SM:ob:} n. 1. mile; milestone;
2. brick (cf. Engl.).

ibiro [` ' `][ìbíɽò] {SS:pe:} n. an address term that
means comrades; peers: Ibiro mwan,
wa lare ne a doo kuu! ― “Comrades,
come and let us play.”

ibisi [` ` `][ìbìsì] {SS:pe:} n. of despicable character;
of villainous quality: Ekhoe ibisi
ọ gue okhuo na ― “This woman
has a villainous mind.”

Ibiwe [` ' `][ìbíwè] {SS:pn:} n. the name of one of
the three palace societies. It is the
one responsible for the harem.

ibo [' `][íbò] {SS::} n. riddle (also itan).

ibobo [` ` `][ìbòbò] {SM::} n. 1. thin outer skin;
a flake of skin: Ibobo erhan bọnmwẹn
ti ọre aro ― “A flake of the tree
bark blew into her eyes.”; 2. soft
skin (e.g. of boiled yam); 3. a sheet
(e.g. of a book); a slice.

ibota [` ' `][ìbótà] {SS:time:} n. (< ibu-ota) “evening
gathering”: traditionally the evening
gathering of members of one or several
households for the purpose of story-
telling and the enactment of other
verbal entertainment.

ibowa [` ` `][ìbòwà] {SS:ho:} n. (< i-bọ-owa) “the
act of building a house”: house-
building.

ibozẹghẹ [` ` ` `][ìbòzɛ̀ɣɛ̀] {SS::} n. a small propor-
tion; a few. Emwan ibozẹghẹ ẹre ọ
he zẹ igho iran ― “Only very few
people have paid their dues.”

ibọkpọ [' ` `][íbọ̀k͡pọ̀] {SM:to:} n. 1. tent; 2. mos-
quito net.

ibu [` '][ìbú] {SS:act:} n. meeting; assembly, gath-
ering.

ibude [` ` `][ìbùdè] {SM:act:} n. 1. giving advice; 2.
$Page 064$

advice.

ibuemwin [` ` `][ìbwèɱĩ̀] {SS:act:} n. founding; es-
tablishing.

ibuẹdẹ [` ` `][ìbwɛ̀dɛ̀] {SS:time:} n. fixing a date;
making an appointment.

ibun [` ` ][ìbùn] {SS:act:} n. confession of adultery
by a woman.

ibuohiẹn [` ` `][ìbwòhyɛ̃̀] {SS:act:} n. judgement.

idabọ [` ` `][ìdàbɔ̀] {SS:act:} n. (< i-daa -obo) beg-
ging for alms; 2. inviting a baby to
one’s arms.

idada [' ` '][ídàdá] {SS:pe:} n. a frizzled haired
person, usually believed to possess
some magical powers; the shaving of
the hair must be preceded by some
rites. (cf. Yoruba: dáda).^

idaehọ [` ` `][ìdaèhɔ̀] {SS:act:} n. cf. idamwenho.

idagbo [` ` '][ìdàgbó] {SM:loc:} n. 1. a public place;
2. bright and open place, as opposed
to a shady and private place.

idan [' `][ídã̀] {SS:mu:} n. a drum beaten after the
Ọba when he is going to an ugie.

idandan [` ' `][ìdã́dã̀] {SS:st:} n. a hunch; a sus-
picion; a guess.

idanmwenhọ [` ` ` `][ĩ̀dã̀ɱẽ̀hɔ̀] {SM:act:} ?. 1. listening;
2. expectation; anticipation.

idanwẹ [' ` `][ídã̀wɛ̀] {SS:be:} n. heel.

idase [` ' '][ìdásé] {SS:act:} n. rascality (of young
children); daring acts of playfulness.

idasẹ [` ` '][ìdàsɛ́] {SS:pe:} n. novice; freshman.

idegbe [` ` `][ìdèg͡bè] {SS:pe:} n. unbethrothed girl.

ideghedeghe [` ` ' ` `][ìdèɣédèɣè] {SS:loc:} n. heights;
a very high place.
%%

idẹnghẹn [' ` `][ídɛ̃̀ɣɛ̃̀] {SS:to:} n. a variety of
native knife, used mainly in the
kitchen.

idin [` `][ìdĩ̀] {SS:loc:} n. grave.

ido [` '][ìdó] {SS:to:} n. loom.

idoboo [` ` `'][ìdòbòó] {SS::} n. 1. impediment;
obstacle.

idodia [` ' `][ìdódyà] {SS:an:} n. name of a small,
black snake, with a white spot on
each side of its head. Its name (“I
stay quietly”) derives from its charac-
teristic poise: it lies coiled up, making
little or no motion.

Idogbo [ ' `][idóg͡bò] {SS:pn:} n. name of an Edo
village.

Idọkpa [' ][ídɔk͡pa] {SS:pn:} n. name of an Edo
village.

idọla [' ' `][ídɔ́là] {SS:unit:} n. “dollar” ― worth
English 20 pence (used to be a two
shilling coin in Nigerian currency,
but is no longer in use.)

idu [' `][ídù] {SS:bird:} n. a variety of wild dove.

Idu [` '][ìdú] {SS:pn:} n. an older name for Edo
people, still in use in some Igbo com-
munities.

idunmwun [` ' `][ìdṹɱũ̀] {SS:loc:} n. a neighbour-
hood; quarters in a town: Idunmwun-
Oliha: “Oliha quarters”.

ifaegbua [` '][ìfaeg͡bwá] {SS:act:} n. (< i-faa-egbe-
rua) “the act of disgracing one’s self”:
disgrace; embarrassment.

ifẹnmwẹn [' ' `][ífɛ̃́ɱɛ̃̀] {SM:to:} n. 1. arrow; 2. any
thin piece of stick with a point:
ifẹnmwẹn-aguẹ ― “ribs”; ifẹnmwẹn-
ikẹkẹ ― “spokes of a bicycle wheel”;
ifẹnmwẹn-uhanbọ ― “the arrow of
a bow”; etc.
$Page 065$

ifi [` '][ìfí] {SS:to:} n. the general name for traps
of all kinds.

ifianyaengbe [` ` ` `][ìfyã̀yã̀ẽg͡bè] {SS:st:} n. self-
aggrandizement; over-estimation of
one’s worth.

ifie [` '][ìfyé] {SS:act:} n. clearing a plot as the
first stage to preparing it for farming
purposes. Next stage is burning the
grass cleared, and followed by the
felling of trees.

ifiento [` ` `][ìfyẽ̀tò] {SS:pe:} n. the name of a group
of men who wear their hair in small
plaits and dance in certain palace
ceremonies.

ifiẹzọ [` ' '][ìfiɛ́zɔ́] {SS:act:} n. a formal accusation;
a court case.

ifuanro [' ' `][íf̃w̃ã́ɽò] {SS:be:} n. (< ifuẹn-aro)
“wing of the eye”: eyelashes.

ifuẹko [` ` `][ìfwɛ̀kò] {SS:em:} n. (< i-fu-ẹko) “be-
ing gentle of belly”: gentleness;
calmness.

ifuẹn [' '][íf̃w̃ɛ̃́] {SS:ob:} n. wing e.g. of any flying
thing.

ifuẹro [` ` `][ìfwɛ̀ɽò] {SS:st:} n. diligence; dedica-
tion.

igabari [` ` ` '][ìgàbàɽí] {SS:pe:} n. “Gambari”; the
Edo reference term for the Hausa/
Fulani people and various Arab tribes.

igan [` `][ìgã̀] {SS::} n. feather.

igarawa [' ' ' '][ígáɽáwá] {SS:hh:} n. pail; bucket.

igari [' ` '][ígàɽí] {SM:fo:} n. 1. processed cassava,
in the form of rough powder, used
for making ẹbae; 2. the name of the
cassava plant.

igaza [` ` `][ìgàzà] {SS:to:} n. shackles for the feet;
fetters.
%%

igẹdu [' ' '][ígɛ́dú] {SS:pl:} n. timber; any timber
tree.

igẹngẹn [' ' '][ígɛ̃́gɛ̃́] {SM:to:} n. 1. the thin handle
of a mug, jug or cup; 2. a small branch
(of a tree).

igiangian [` ` `][ìgyã̀gyã̀] {SM:mu:} n. 1. excited sing-
ing, shouting and clapping of hands,
in support of masquerade dancers
or wrestlers; 2. the excited cry or
panic of someone in anticipation
of pain (e.g. when an ulcer is going
to be cleaned or dressed).

igiawe [` ' `][ìgyáwɛ̀] {SM:mu:} n. 1. footsteps; the
stamping of feet; 2. the heel of the
foot.

igie [` `][ìgyè] {SM:loc:} n. 1. the main part; the
base; igiogbẹ ― the seat of operation;
the headquarters; 2. corner.

igiemwin [` ` `][ìgyèɱĩ̀] {SS::} n. illustration; de-
scription. Ọ ya oni ru igiemwin ma
iran ― “He used that as illustration
to them”.

igiẹ [` '][ìgyɛ́] {SS:act:} n. the stamping of the feet.

igiẹmwẹn [` ' `][ìgyɛ́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:be:} n. (< igie ―
ẹmwẹn) “the base of speech”: the
chest. (part of the body). (also ẹwẹe).

igiodẹ [` ` `][ìgyòdɛ̀] {SS:loc:} n. (< i-gie-ode) “de-
scribing the road”: guidance, direction.

igiogbẹ [` ' `][ìgyóg͡bɛ̀] {SS:bu:} n. the headquarters.

igiorua [' ` ''][ígyòɽúá] {SS:fo:} n. water-yam (a
variety of white yam).

igo [` `][ìgò] {SS:hh:} n. a full-sized bottle used
as a measure for selling palm oil,
kerosine, etc.

igobele [` ' ` `][ìgóbèlè] {SS:hh:} n. a tall drinking
glass (cf. Engl. goblet).
$Page 066$

Igodomigodo [` ` ` ` `][ìgòdòmigòdò] {SS:pn:} n. an
old name for the Benin Kingdom.

igogo [ ' '][igógó] {SS:act:} n. (with the vb. kpe)
an unsteady walk: Ọ kpe igogo dee
vbe urria ― He is approaching un-
steadily in the distance.

igolu [' ' `][ígólù] {SS:ob:} n. gold (cf. Engl.).

igọgọ [' ' `][ígɔ́gɔ̀] {SS:loc:} n. corner; bend (of a
road).

iguabọ [` ' `][ìgwábɔ̀] {SS:be:} n. elbow.

igue [' '][ígwé] {SS:loc:} n. village; interior.

iguemwin [` ` `][ìgwèɱĩ̀] {SS:st:} n. skill; know-
how; proficiency.

iguẹ¹ [` `][ìgwɛ̀] {SS:be:} n. knee.

iguẹ² [` `][ìgwɛ̀] {SS:re:} n. the festival of tradi-
tional thanksgiving annually performed
by the Oba and all Edo nationals.

iguẹnguẹn [' ' '][ígwɛ̃́gwɛ̃́] {SS:act:} n. stabbing with
needle-like points: Ọ solo ẹre iguẹnguẹn
― He stabbed it with pointed objects.
iguẹnguẹn-uwegbe (idiom): secret
malicious molestation that may take
various forms.

iguẹsẹ [' ` `][ígwɛ̀sɛ̀] {SS:pr:} n. expert.

Igun [` '][ìgṹ] {SS:pn:} n. a quarter in Benin
which was traditionally occupied by
the guild of blacksmiths. They
formed a sib, whose morning greeting
is “laa ni!”.

igunma [` ' `][ìgṹmã̀] {SS:act:} n. a grunt; a low
guttural sound which may express
fatigue, distress, or weakness.

iguọmọrre [` ` ` '][ìgwɔ̀mɔ̀ré] {SS:pr:} n. first servants
of a newly crowned Ọba.

igba [' `][íg͡bà] {SS:time:} n. (with numerals) time;
%%

instance: igbava (< igba eva) “two
times”; igbaha (< igba eha): “three
times” etc.

igbagia [' ` '][íg͡bàgyá] {SS:fo:} n. the variety of
kola nuts introduced by the Hausa;
(also evbigabari).

Igbaghọn [' `][íg͡baɣɔ̃̀] {SM:pn:} n. 1. the Edo name
for the Jamieson river, near Sapele;
2. the name of the goddess of the
river.

igbama [` ` '][ìg͡bàmã́] {SS:fa:} n. an adult male,
anywhere from about age 14 to about
21.

igban [` `][ìg͡bã̀] {SM:an:} n. 1. thorn; 2. bone
of fish.

Igbankẹ [` ' `][ìg͡bã́kɛ̀] {SS:pn:} n. the name of a
town inhabited by both Edo and Ika
people, to the East of Benin City.
It is a boundary town between the
Edo-speaking and Ibo-speaking areas
of Bendel State.

igbe [` '][ìg͡bé] {SS:nu:} num. ten.

igbegbe [` ' '][ìg͡bég͡bé] {SS:ob:} n. velvet material.

igbehẹn [` ` `][ìg͡bèhɛ̃̀] {SM:pr:} n. 1. fishermen; 2.
(< i-gbe-ehẹn) ― fishing.

Igbekhuẹ [` ` `][ìg͡bèxwɛ̀] {SS:pn:} n. the name of
an Ẹdo village, 25km. west of Benin.

igbemaba [` ` ` `][ìg͡bèmàbà] {SS:pr:} n. “calabash
drummers” in the service of the Ọba.

igbesa [` ` `][ìgbèsà] {SS:pe:} n. supporters of each
side of a context or a quarrel.

igbesanmwan [` ` ` `][ìgbèsã̀ɱã̀] {SM:pr:} n. 1. the
traditional wood and bone carvers
for the Oba; the name of the quarters
occupied by this group of artisans.

ígbigbe [' ` '][íg͡bìg͡bé] {SS:nu:} n. all ten: Viọ
$Page 067$

---

igbigbe rre ― “Bring all ten of them.”

ìgbigbe [` ' `][ìgbígbè] {SS:nu:} n. tens; in groups
of ten.

igbin [` '][ìg͡bĩ́] {SS:pl:} n. the second round of
yam tuber produced by a yam plant;
it is usually very hard and it is used
mainly as seed-yam for planting.

igbinna [` ` `][ìgbĩ̀nà] {SS:act:} n. a fight; lighting;
a struggle.

igbiragia [` ` ` `][ìgbìɽàgyà] {SS:pe:} n. prostitute;
harlot.

igbo¹ [` `][ìgbò] {SS:to:} n. a top; a conical
wooden toy which rotates on its sharp
point when spinned in the sand.

igbo [` `][ìgbò] {SS:pe:} n. the Igbo-speaking peo-
ple; (also igbọn).

igbogiẹ [` ` `][ìg͡bògyɛ̀] {SS:act:} n. (< i-gbe-ogiẹ)
making fun; jesting.

igbolighi [` ` ``][ìgbòlìì] {SS:act:} n. “making confu-
sion”: causing confusion; disrupting.

igboo [' `'][íg͡bòó] {SM:act:} n. 1. echo; 2. inter-
ference.

igbọn¹ [' '][íg͡bɔ̃́] {SS:be:} n. knee.

igbọn² [` `][ìgbɔ̃̀] {SS:pe:} n. a derogatory Edo
word for the Igbo-speaking people;
(not much in use any more with this
meaning, but as a general abusive
term).

igbọvo [` ` `][ìg͡bɔ̀vò] {SS:em:} n. grudge; resentment.

igbu [' '][ígbú] {SS:cl:} n. 1. a big piece of cloth,
about six yards wide before it is sewn,
used by men as a covering-cloth.

ighaan [` '`][ìɣã́ã̀] {SS:loc:} n. the Edo name for
Igarra and its environs.
%%

ighe [' `][íɣè] {SM::} conj. 1. serves as comple-
mentizer for embedded noun clauses:
o miẹ ighe iwinna nii lọghọ: “He
found that that work was difficult”; 2.
serves as a subordinating conjunction
in sentences with sequential clauses:
I khian ighe egbe wọ mwẹn ― I am
going, for I am tired; 3. serves to
introduce nouns or noun phrases
in apposition: Ọ rre ne ighe Ozo ―
“He has come, that is, Ozo: He,
Ozo, has come.”

ighehe [` ` `][ìɣèhè] {SS:be:} n. molar teeth.

ighele [' ` `][íɣèlè] {SS:fa:} n. manhood age group
from about 21 to 42 years. Initia-
tion into this age group is usually
marked by some ceremony.

ighibiẹrriẹ [` ' ` '][ìɣíbyɛ̀ryɛ́] {SS:fa:} n. the female
servants of the palace harem.

ighisu [' ' `][íɣísù] {SS:ec:} n. (< ígho-isu) interest
paid on loan.

ígho¹ [' '][íɣó] {SS:ec:} n. money; ígho nọba ―
“gold”; ígho nofua ― “silver”; ígho-
ehaya: rent; ígho-uhunmwun ― “tax”
(paid by every head of the popula-
tion; hence the name).

ígho² [' '][íɣó] {SS:be:} n. milk-teeth. Ọmọmọ
zẹ ígho nẹ: “The baby has started
to have some milk-teeth.”

ìgho [` `][ìɣò] {SS:mu:} n. horn.

ighobioye [' ' ' '][íɣóbyóyé] {SS::} idiom. some-
thing very expensive; something con-
sidered precious.

ighogho [` ` `][ìɣòɣò] {SS:ob:} n. 1. smoke.

ighọnmighọn [' ' ` `][íɣɔ̃́mìɣɔ̃̀] {SS:pe:} n. the Edo
name for a native of Igarra (it is
not complimentary).

iha [` `][ìhà] {SS:re:} n. oracle: iha ominigbọn ―
$Page 068$

---

“Ominigbọn divination.”

ihako [` ` `][ìhàkò] {SS:ob:} n. presentation or gift ―
giving; gift.

Ihama [' ` '][íhàmá] {SS:pn:} n. the title of leader
of the Ihogbe chiefs; he attends to
the Oba’s ancestral shrines of the
paternal side.

ìhan [` `][ìhã̀] {SS:loc:} n. 1. the wrong side; the
awkward direction; Ọ la mwẹn ihan
rre ― “It came through my wrong
side.”

íhan [' '][íhã́] {SS:loc:} n. a deep dry well.

ihe [` `][ìhè] {SM:loc:} n. 1. location; place; 2.
position, rank. ihe ne iran do rhie
ẹre yi na ma zẹdẹ ke nẹẹ ― “The
position at which they have now
placed him does not suit him at all.”

ihegbe [` ' `][ìhégbè] {SS:st:} n. (< ihe-egbe) equals
in rank.

iheni [` ` `][ìhènì] {SS:fa:} n. naming; name-giving
(of a child).

iherhe [` ` `][ìhèřè] {SS:be:} n. the toothless gums
(of infants or the aged) (also irriorrio).

ihẹ [` '][ìhɛ́] {SS:ob:} n. load; luggage: ihẹ ọre
bun gbe ― “Her luggage is too much.”

ihẹn [` '`][ìhɛ̃́ɛ̃̀] {SM:la:} n. 1. curse: Ọ tie ihẹn
mẹ ― “He called out a curse to me”:
“He cursed me.” 2. oath: Ọ ya mwẹn
vẹn ihẹn ― “He used me to take
an oath”: “He made me take an oath.”

ihẹnhunnu [` ` ` `][ìhɛ̃̀hũ̀nũ̀] {SS:act:} n. (< i-hẹnhẹn-
unu) “levelling of mouth”: a con-
sensus; a unanimous decision.

ihẹnmwẹn [' ' `][íhɛ́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:bi:} n. 1. kidney
beans; the kidneys.

ihiagha [` ` `][ìhyàɣà] {SM:pl:} n. 1. tassel of corn;
%%

2. flowers of fruit trees; 3. naturally
matted hair.

ihie [` '][ìhyé] {SM:ho:} n. 1. ceiling; 2. the ridge
of the roof of a house.

ihieghe [' ` `][íhyèɣè] {SS:pl:} n. 1. a tree, Myri-
anthus arboreus, whose fresh leaves
are used as vegetables in a native
soup of the same name.

ihiehie [' ` '][íhyèhyé] {SS:fo:} n. a variety of beans,
black in colour.

ihiẹn [' '][íhyɛ̃́] {SS:be:} n. 1. nails, claws; ihionbo:
(< ihiẹn-obọ): ― finger nails; ihionwẹ:
(< ihiẹn-owẹ): toes.

ihiẹnhiẹn [' ` '][íhyɛ̃̀hyɛ̃́] {SS:fa:} n. great-grandchild;
third generation of off-spring.

ihiin [` '`][ìhĩ́ĩ̀] {SS:bf:} n. mucus.

ihinrin [` ` '][ìhĩ̀ɽ̃ĩ́] {SS:nu:} num. nine.

ihinrọn [` ' `][ìhĩ́ɽ̃ɔ̃̀] {SS:nu:} num. seven.

ihiọn [' '][íhĩɔ̃́] {SM:pl:} n. 1. pod of the plant,
Luffa egyptiaca, used as sponge; 2.
any substance used as sponge.

iho [ ``][ihòò] {SS:pe:} n. 1. one’s peer; comrade;
one’s equal: when used with a
pronoun, iho becomes ihua:
E i re ihua mwẹn ― “He is not my
peer” (usually implies he is inferior
to me).

ihoi [` `][ìhoì] {SS:nu:} n. zero; naught; nothing.

ihọnmwẹngbe [` ` ` `][ìhɔ̃̀ɱẽ̀gbè] {SS:re:} n. (< i-
họnmwẹn-egbe): self-purification; the
ritual is a complicated process, which
includes brushing the body with
the animal (or part thereof), usually
a chicken intended for the ritual,
as well as certain leaves, and the
tip of a palm leaf, while certain pu-
rification formulas are recited.
$Page 069$

ihọnmwonwa [` ` ` `][ìhɔ̃̀ɱõ̀wà] {SS:re:} n. (< i-
họnmwẹn-owa): the purification of
house; usually performed to avoid
the evil effects of a broken taboo.

ihu [` '][ìhú] {SM::} n. 1. foam; 2. poison.

ihua [` `][ìhuà] {SS::} n. cf. iho.

ihuan [` '][ìhwã́] {SS:mu:} n. song.

ihuaro [` ` `][ìhwàɽò] {SS:st:} n. curiosity; forward-
ness.

ihue [' '][íhwé] {SS:be:} n. nose.

ihuru [' ' `][íhúɽù] {SS:bs:} n. an itchy foot irrita-
tion, believed to be caused by the
droppings of earthworm: isinkolo
(isan-ikolo).

ihunhun [` ' `][ìhṹhũ̀] {SS:in:} n. millipede.

ika¹ [' '][íká] {SS:cl:} n. a special variety of coral
necklace worn by chiefs, which is
strung up on wire and forms a
wide ring around the neck.

ika² [` '][ìká] {SS:an:} n. the hard spur-like pro-
jection on a cock’s leg.

ikadẹlẹ [' ` ' `][íkàdɛ́lɛ̀] {SS:to:} n. a pole with a
fork (usually used for pegging things,
to give them support).

ikagha [` ` `][ìkàɣà] {SM:to:} n. 1. bridle; 2. gag.
(also ukhu).

ikainse [` ` '][ìkã̀ĩsé] {SS::} n. a special charm
used to arrest the powers of witches
and wizards to transform back into
their human forms.

ikan [' `][íkã̀] {SS::} n. a creeper used for canes,
as well as for weaving baskets. Its
Latin name is given as Eremospatha
mecrocarpa.

ikannaban [` ` ` `][ìkã̀nã̀bã̀] {SS:st:} n. in an unripe
%%

state; tartness (of fruit).

ikaun [ ][ikãũ] {SS::} n. potash.

ikawẹ [` ` `][ìkàwɛ̀] {SS:act:} n. footstep: Ọ lele ẹre
ikawẹ ikawẹ ― “He followed his
footsteps one after the other.”

ike [` `][ìkè] {SS:ob:} n. log; ikerhan (ike-erhan):
a log of wood.

ikebe [` ` `][ìkèbè] {SS:be:} n. buttocks (also itotaya).

ikebezu [` ` ` '][ìkèbèzú] {SS:em:} n. fury.

ikeferi [` ` ` '][ìkèfèɽí] {SS:pe:} n. non-Christians;
heathens; pagans.

ikele [` ` `][ìkèlè] {SS::} n. a large piece; a lump
of: ikele ema “a large piece of pounded
yam”.

ikewu [` ' `][ìkéwù] {SS::} n. pot-rest.

ikẹdẹ [` ` `][ìkɛ̀dɛ̀] {SS:time:} n. “counter of days”:
calendar.

ikẹga [` ' `][ìkɛ́gà] {SM:be:} n. 1. wrist (also urhuabọ);
2. good-luck charm in the form of
a carved hand on a stool (used by
men) or as an anklet of cowries (used
by women). The idiom: “khon mu
obo yan ikega” ― “to succeed; to be
victorious” probably relates to the
latter meaning.

ikẹkẹ [' ` '][íkɛ̀kɛ́] {SS:trans:} n. bicycle.

ikẹnrẹn [' ' '][íkɛ̃́ɽɛ̃́] {SM::} n. 1. poker dots; 2.
drops of water on the skin (usually
after a bath) like poker dots.

ikẹtin [` ` '][ìkɛ̀tĩ́] {SS:st:} n. rest from work:
edikẹtin (ẹde-iketin): day of rest:
(for Christians): Sunday; (for non-
Christians): ekẹn.

ikian [` '][ìkyã́] {SS:in:} n. fly; housefly.
$Page 070$

ikiewua [` ` `][ìkyèwuà] {SS:act:} n. waking the Ọba
ceremonially by imitating the crow
of the cock.

ikiọkhọe [` ' `][ìkyɔ́xɔè] {SS:nu:} num. one hundred
and forty.

iko [` '][ìkó] {SS:loc:} n. council; meeting.

ikolo [' ` '][íkòló] {SS:an:} n. earthworm.

ikoro [' ' '][íkóɽó] {SS:hh:} n. a very broad brass
armlet worn by chiefs at certain
ceremonies.

ikoroba [' ' ' '][íkóɽóbá] {SS:to:} n. bucket; pail (also
igarawa).

ikotu [` ' `][ìkótù] {SS:loc:} n. court. (cf. Engl.).

ikọ [' `][íkɔ̀] {SS:pe:} n. adversary; opponent; en-
emy.

ikọbọ [' ' `][íkɔ́bɔ̀] {SS:ec:} n. penny.

iku¹ [` `][ìkù] {SM:ob:} n. 1. dirt; rubbish garbage;
2. small bits of; crumbs; left-over.

iku² [` `][ìkù] {SS:bs:} n. (of a sore) pus; gangrene:
iku la ọre ẹtẹ nẹ ― “His sore is now
gangrene.”

iku³ [` `][ìkù] {SM:mu:} n. 1. play; games; dances,
etc; 2. friendship; cordiality.

ikuekẹn [' ' `][íkwékɛ̃̀] {SS:pe:} n. attendants; fol-
lowers.

ikun¹ [` '][ìkṹ] {SS::} n. bundle; a bunch (e.g.
of plantains).

ikun² [` '`][ìkṹũ̀] {SS:ho:} n. the equivalent of the
parlour in the Edo traditional house
in which the various ancestral shrines
are housed. There may be more
than one ikun in a house, depending
on the affluence of the house-owner.
e.g. ikun ne ughoree ― “outer ikun”^;
ikun ne erriẹ ― “the harem ikun”; etc.
%%

ikuẹnkuẹn [' ` '][íkw̃ɛ̃̀kw̃ɛ̃́] {SS:cl:} n. wrinkles:
Ukpọn mwẹn bunnọ ikuẹnkuẹn ―
“My cloth broke wrinkles: My cloth
is wrinkled:”

ikuigho [` ' '][ìkwíɣó] {SS:ec:} n. (< iku-ígho) “small
bits of money”: coins.

ikhan [` `][ìxã̀] {SM:st:} n. 1. (of human beings):
1. strong body odor; 2. the stale
smell of rotting food.

ikharo [' ' `][íxáɽò] {SS::} n. (< ikho-aro) “tribal
mark of the face”: the tribal marks
that were made on the forehead.

ikhẹgbe [` ` `][ìxɛ̀g͡bè] {SS::} n. (< i-khẹẹ-egbe)
supporting body; self-support; security.

ikhi [` `][ìxì] {SS:em:} n. vengeance; revenge.

ikhian [` '][ìxỹã́] {SS::} n. the magical trans-
formation from human form into
animals or other forms.

ikhiavbọ [' ` `][íxyàvɔ̀] {SS:pl:} n. okra (Hibiscus
esculantus).^

ikhiẹgbe [` ` `][ìxyɛ̀gbè] {SS:em:} n. (< i-khiẹ-ègbé)
lamentation; distress.

ikhinmwin [' ' `][íxĩ́ɱĩ̀] {SS:pl:} n. a tree, believed
to be the oldest of all trees. It is
planted as a hedge in shrine-cites.
Its Latin name is given as Newbouldia
laevis.

ikho [` `][ìxò] {SS:act:} n. the traditional tribal
mark made on the forehead of both
men and women.

ikhọẹko [` ` `][ìxɔ̀ɛkò] {SS:em:} n. (< i-khọọ-ẹko)
― “badness of belly” displeasure;
unhappiness.

ikhọrhiọn [` ` `][ìxɔ̀řyɔ̃̀] {SS:em:} n. (< i-khọọ
orhiọn) “badness of soul”: ugliness;
unsightliness.
$Page 071$

ikhuiwu [` ' `][ìxwíwù] {SS:em:} n. jealousy; hatred.

ikpakpa [' ` '][ík͡pàk͡pá] {SS:be:} n. skin; peel; bark.

ikpakpalọ [' ` ' `][ík͡pàk͡pálɔ̀] {SS:fo:} n. brown lima
beans.

ikpanro [' ' `][ík͡pã́rò] {SS:be:} n. eye-balls.

ikpata [' ' '][ík͡pátá] {SS:pe:} n. highway robbers.

ikpatako [' ' ' `][ík͡pátákò] {SM:hh:} n. 1. a small
stool used for sitting mainly in the
kitchen. 2. a makeshift bench.

ikpawẹ [` ` `][ìk͡pàwɛ̀] {SS:ho:} n. floor of house.

ikpayẹ [` ` `][ìk͡pàyɛ̀] {SS:pe:} n. followers; attend-
ants.

ikpekere [` ' ` '][ìk͡pékèɽé] {SS:fo:} n. a snack made
from unripe plantains (peeled, sliced
thinly, salted and fried crisp in palm
oil.)

ikpekhie [` ` `][ìk͡pèxiè] {SS:fo:} n. a variety of
white beans.

ikpekperu [' ' ' `][ík͡pékpéɽù] {SS:fo:} n. an edible
kind of mushroom found on decaying
tree trunks.

ikpema [` ` `][ìk͡pèmã̀] {SS:mu:} n. the original royal
drummers who resided in Ikpema
quarters (idunmwũ̀n ikpema).

ikpenma [` ` `][ìk͡pẽ̀mã̀] {SS:fo:} n. (< i-kpẹn-ema)
yam-harvesting.

ikpezikẹn [` ` ` `][ìk͡pèzìkɛ̃̀] {SS:mu:} n. the blowers
of horn-trumpets and calabash flutes
for the Ọba.

ikpẹ [` `][ìk͡pɛ̀] {SM:pl:} n. 1. seed e.g. ikpogi
(ikpẹ-ogi): melon seed; ikporu (ikpẹ-
oru): cotton seed; 2. grain: ikpọka
(ikpẹ-ọka) corn grains: 3. the un-
pounded bits of yam that feature
like grain in badly-pounded yam.
%%

ikpẹ² [` `][ìk͡pɛ̀] {SS::} n. individual piece or
member: ikpẹdẹ (< ikpẹ ― ẹdẹ)
individual days; date; ikpẹdẹ enẹ ―
four days; ikpokuta (< ikpẹ ― okuta):
a piece of stone ― a gravel.

ikpẹdẹ [` ' `][ìk͡pɛ́dɛ̀] {SS:time:} n. (ikpẹ ― ẹdẹ) in-
dividual days: Inu ikpẹdẹ ọ ghi ye
ne ọ ghi kpao? ― “How many days
is it since he left?”

ikpedin [ ][ik͡pɛdĩ] {SS:fo:} n. palm nuts.

ikpẹkete [` ` ` `][ìk͡pɛ̀kètè] {SS:mu:} n. drummers
placed behind the Oba while he is
in attendance at a ceremony.

ikpẹkpẹ [` ` '][ìk͡pɛ̀kpɛ́] {SS:loc:} n. cemetery (also
itẹ).

ikpẹn [' `][ík͡pɛ̃̀] {SS:fo:} n. yellow yam.

ikpẹsi [` ` `][ìk͡pɛ̀sì] {SS:fo:} n. a tall yam-pole.

ikpianbọ [' '' ][ík͡pĩ́ã́bɔ] {SS:be:} n. cf. ikpihianbọ.

ikpianwẹ [ '' `][ik͡pĩ́ã́wɛ̀] {SS:be:} n. cf. ikpihianwẹ.

ikpigho [` ' '][ìk͡píɣó] {SS:an:} n. cowries.

ikpihianbọ [' ' ][ík͡píhĩãbɔ] {SS:be:} n. Finger:
ikpihianbọ-nogie; “the chiefly finger”:
the thumb; ikpihianbọ-nusexae: “the
finger that points”: the indicator;
(also ikpihianbọ-nọwuaoroka ― “the
finger that forbids rings”); ikpihianbọ-
nadesẹ: middle finger; ikpihianbọ-
oroka: ring finger; ikpihianbọ-
nekherhe ― little finger.

ikpihianwẹ [' ' ' `][ík͡píhyã́wɛ̀] {SS:be:} n. toe;
ikpihianwẹ-nogie: big toe.

ikpin [` '][ìk͡pĩ́] {SM:an:} n. 1. boa; 2. rainbow.

ikpirunmwun [` ' ' `][ìk͡píɽ̃ṹɱũ̀] {SS:pl:} n. the
seeds of a weed that cling to clothes
and body-hair.
$Page 072$

ikpisẹ [` ' `][ìk͡písɛ̀] {SS:mu:} n. (< ikpẹ-isẹ) the
black seeds woven in a net around
a calabash to make the musical
instrument known as ukusẹ.

ikpo [' '][ík͡pó] {SS:ob:} n. very hard and dry
mud.

Ikpoba [` ` `][ìk͡pòbà] {SS:pn:} n. name of the river
that runs along the eastern side of
Benin City.

ikpogi [` ' `][ìk͡pógì] {SS:fo:} n. melon-seed used
for preparing soup. (Yor: egusi).

ikpolẹki [` ' ` `][ìk͡pólɛ̀kì] {SS:mu:} n. an annual fes-
tival of the deity Ọkhuahẹ.

ikpolo [` ' `][ìk͡pólò] {SS:act:} n. sweeping (mainly
done in the morning, during which
the entire house and premises are
swept.)

Ikpokpan [` ` `][ìk͡pòkpã̀] {SS:pn:} n. name of an
old village component of Benin City
which is now part of the urban complex.

ikpokpan [' ' `][ík͡pókpã̀] {SS:ho:} n. a high rack
over the hearth, used for storing
various cooking ingredients and left-
over soup.

ikporhu [` ` `][ìk͡pòřù] {SM:act:re:} n. 1. sermon-
preaching (in the Christian worship
as a part of the Sunday service); 2.
evangelism.

ikpotoki [` ` ` '][ìk͡pòtòkí] {SS:pe:} n. the Edo name
for the Portuguese, the people and
their language. (also ikpotokin).

ikpọn [' '][ík͡pɔ́] {SS:unit:} n. pound (money;
previously equivalent of the pound
sterling and the Nigerian pound;
now worth two Nigerian naira).

ikpọwia [` ` `][ìk͡pɔ̀wyà] {SS:act:} n. the ceremonies
performed on the sixth night of a
“second burial.”
%%

ikpu¹ [' '][íkpú] {SS:bs:} n. a variety of skin
disease which itches very much.

ikpu² [' '][íkpú] {SS::} n. a poisonous prepara-
tion.

ilaguẹguẹ [' ` ' `][ílàgwɛ́gwɛ̀] {SS:bs:} n. a kind of
disease known as paralysis agitans.

ilakhuẹ [' ' ][íláxwɛ] {SS:in:} n. a variety of
dark brown ant which builds its
nest on the underside of leaves.

ilavbodẹ [` ` ` `][ìlàuòdɛ̀] {SS:pe:} n. passers-by.

ile [' `][ílè] {SS:act:} n. a bet.

ilekhue [` ` `][ìlèxwè] {SM:em:} n. 1. forbearance;
consideration (for someone); 2. com-
passion.

ilele [` ' `][ìlélè] {SS:act:} n. procedure; established
rules of doing things (also alele).

ilelegumaza [` ' ' ' ` `][ìlélégúmàzà] {SS:pe:} n. hunch-
back.

ilovbiẹ [` ' `][ìlóʋiɛ̀] {SS:act:} n. lying down.

ilu [' '][ílú] {SS::} inter. pron. how many: ilu
iran ọ rre? How many of them came?
(also inu).

ima [` `][ìmà] {SS::} pron. emphatic 1st per. pl.
pronoun; we, us, our, etc. it may
be intensified by the suffix -mwan
imamwan. As subject of a sentence,
the initial vowel is usually dropped:
Ma ọ rre Edo: We are the ones in
Benin.

imamase [` ` ` '][ìmàmàsé] {SS:st:} n. pretence; feign-
ing (also imaru) (cf. Yoruba mọmọse).

imaru [` ` '][ìmàɽú] {SS:act:} n. pretending; feigning.

imẹ [` `][ìmɛ̀] {SS::} pron. emphatic 1st per. sgl.
pronoun: I, me, my etc.; it may
be intensified by the suffix -mwẹn:
$Page 073$

imẹmwẹn ― me, myself; as subject
of a sentence, the initial vowel is
usually dropped: mẹmwẹn ọ ruẹe ―
I myself did it.

imiamiegbe [` ` ` `][ìmỹã̀mỹẽ̀gbè] {SS:st:} n. (< i-
miamia-egbe) “forgetting self”: forget-
fulness.

imiẹfan [` ' `][ìmỹɛ́fã̀] {SS:re:} n. (< i-miefan): re-
demption; salvation (in the Christian
sense).

imiẹkue [` ' `][ìmỹɛ̃́kwè] {SM:re:} n. 1. (in the
Christian sense): admission of sins;
confession; 2. acknowledgement.

imina [` ' `][ìmĩ́nã̀] {SS:act:} n. dream.

imu [' `][ímũ̀] {SS:st:} n. confinement; imprison-
ment; arrest.

imuaẹnmwẹn [` ` `][ìmw̃ã̀ɛ̃ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:la:} n. (< i-
mua-ẹmwẹn) “arguing of words”:
disagreement; argument.

imuakpa [` ` `][ìmw̃ã̀kpà] {SM::} n. 1. representing
(a person) 2. representative.

imudia [` ' `][ìmúdià] {SS:act:} n. standing.

imuegbe [` ` `][ìmw̃ẽ̀gbè] {SS:act:} n. (< i-muegbe)
“preparing”: preparation; planning.

imuegberrioto [` ` ` ` `][ìmw̃ẽ̀gbèriòtɔ̀] {SS:em:} n. (<
i-mu-egbe-rriotọ) “bringing body low”:
humility; humbleness.

imuẹ [' '][ímw̃ɛ̃́] {SS:in:} n. mosquito.

imuohan [` ` `][ìmw̃õ̀hã̀] {SS:act:} n. gift-offering;
presentation of gifts.

Inẹ [' '][ínɛ́] {SS:pe:} n. title of a chief; he is a
member of the Ibiwe society.

inẹnẹ [' ' `][ínɛ́nɛ̀] {SS:pe:} n. an endearment term
for mother.
%%

inia [' '][ínẏá] {SM:pl:} n. 1. root (e.g. of a tree); 2.
vein.

inọta [` ` `][ìnɔ̀tà] {SM:act:} n. 1. question, interroga-
tion; 2. interrogating.

inu [' '][ínú] {SS::} inter. pron. cf. ilu.

inugba [' ' '][ínúg͡bá] {SM::} inter. phr. 1. (< inu-
igba): how many times; 2. adv. at
any time; whenever: Inugba ne o
rhirhi miẹ mwẹn, te ọ gha tuẹ mwẹn
― “Whenever he saw me, he must
greet me.”

ipapa [` ` `][ìpàpà] {SS:ob:} n. a sheet of something;
a slice. (cf. ibobo).

irakhuẹ [' ' `][íɽáxwɛ̀] {SS:time:} n. next tomorrow;
the day after tomorrow.

iran [' `][íɽ̃ã̀] {SS::} pron. the 3rd per. pl. pro-
noun: they, them, their etc.

iranmẹ [' ' `][íɽ̃ã́mɛ̃̀] {SS:ho:} n. the eaves of a house.

iranmwẹn [' ' `][íɽ̃ã́ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:in:} n. small black ants
that are found around the house.

iranmwinran [` ` ' `][ìɽ̃ã̀ɱĩ́ɽ̃ã̀] {SS:pl:} n. a kind of
water-plant that floats on the surface
of ponds and lakes.

irere [' ' `][íɽéɽè] {SS:be:} n. armpit.

irẹn [` `][ìɽ̃ɛ̃̀] {SS::} pron. the emphatic 3rd per.
sgl. pronoun. Variant forms of this
pronoun include irọnrẹn, irọẹn, rẹn,
rọẹn. As subject, or first item, in a
sentence, the initial vowel is usually
dropped: Rẹn ẹre iran khaa ― “He
is the one they mean”.

ìrewe [` ` `][ìɽèwè] {SS:pr:} n. a band or night-
guards.

írewe [' ' `][íɽéwè] {SS:fo:} n. the fruit of ọgọ used
as fish-poison by fishermen.
$Page 074$

irẹnmwin [` ` `][ìɽɛ̃̀ɱĩ̀] {SM::} n. (< i-rẹẹn-emwin)
“knowing something” 1. cleverness;
2. knowledge. Irẹnmwin ẹnrẹn sẹ
ọre gbe ― “His knowledge/cleverness
is too much for him i.e. he is incredibly
knowledgeable.”

íro [' '][íɽó] {SS:loc:} n. main road; main highway.

ìro [` `][ìɽò] {SS::} n. thought; meditation.

iroghae [` ` `][ìɽòɣaè] {SS:fa:} n. a male age-grade
consisting of about 14 ― 21 year olds.
They were responsible for various
communal labour in villages such
as helping in house-building, sweeping
public places; and clearing farm plots.
(cf. igbama).

irorinmwin [` ` ` `][ìɽòɽ̃ĩ̀ɱĩ̀] {SS:act:} n. burial cere-
mony.

irọn [` `][ìɽ̃ɔ̃̀] {SS::} n. body hair (mainly of
animals).

irueken [` ` `][ìɽwèkɛ̃̀] {SS:act:} n. preparing the
mud for building purposes.

iruẹbọ [` ` `][ìɽwɛ̀bɔ̀] {SM:re:} n. 1. performing the
rites of a god, or juju; 2. pagan wor-
shipping.

iruẹmwin [` ` `][ìrwɛ̀ɱĩ̀] {SM:act:} n. (< i-ruẹ-emwin)
“learning something”: 1. training;
apprenticeship; 2. a lesson.

iruẹn [` '][ìɽw̃ɛ̃́] {SS:ob:} n. dirt; filth.

irunmwun [` ` `][ìɽũ̀ɱũ̀] {SS:pl:} n. grass; weed.

irhanro [` ` `][ìřã̀ɽò] {SS::} n. (< i-rhan-aro)
“opening of eyes”: sophistication;
civilization; enlightenment.

irhiaeni [` ` `][ìřẏàenì] {SS::} n. “spoiling of name”:
libel.

irhiaẹko [` ` `][ìryàɛkò] {SS:em:} n. “spoiling of
belly”: sorrow; unhappiness.
%%

irhiama [` ` `][ìřyàmà] {SS:re:} n. “taking of the
sign”: baptism (Christian).

irhiẹdẹ [` ` `][ìřiɛ̀dɛ̀] {SS:time:} n. “taking of days”:
holidays; leave.

irhinrhun [` ` '][ìřĩ̀řṹ] {SS::} n. cf. irhunrhun.

irhiokhuo [` ` `][ìřiòxwò] {SS:act:} n. “taking of a
woman”: marriage (also irhiọha).

irhiọha [` ` `][ìřyɔ̀hà] {SS::} n. (< i-rhie-ọha) “tak-
ing of a bride”: marriage. (also
irhiokhuo).

irhirhan [` ` '][ìřìrã́] {SS:st:} n. numbness; cramps.

irhiso [' `][ířisò] {SS:in:} n. locust.

irho [` `][ìřò] {SS:be:} n. cheek.

irhu¹ [` '][ìřú] {SS::} n. shade.

irhu² [` '][ìřú] {SS:an:} n. a bird’s roost.

irhuaengbe [` ` `][ìřw̃ã̀ɛ̃gbè] {SS:pe:} n. pl. disciples.
(also erhuaengbe) (Christian).

irhunmwinrhun [` ' ` '][ìřṹɱĩ̀řṹ] {SS:st:} n. naked-
ness.

irhunrhun [` ` ][ìřũ̀řũ] {SS::} n. mould; mildew;
fungus. (also irhinrhun).

irri [` '][ìrí] {SM:to:} n. 1. rope; string; 2. creeping
or climbing plant; erhan vbe irri ―
“trees and creepers.”

irriabe [` ` `][ìrẏàbè] {SS:st:} n. being guilty (of a
crime; or in a case); guilt.

irriaikhi [` ` `][ìryàixì] {SS:act:} n. revenge; vengeance.

irriase [` ` `][ìryàsè] {SS:st:} n. being innocent in a
case.

irriegie [` ` `][ìrỳegyè] {SS:pe:} n. (pl. of ọriegie);
title-holders; chiefs.
$Page 075$

irriokodẹ [ ` ` `][irẏòkòdɛ̀] {SS::} n. (< i-re-oko-
odẹ) “eating of a parcel on the way”:
misappropriation of property held in
one’s trust; embezzlement.

irriorrio [` ` `][ìryòryò] {SS:be:} n. gums (of the
mouth); the toothless gums of infants
or the aged.

irriovbe [` ' `][ìryóʋè] {SS:act:} n. deep sleep.

irrioya [` ` `][ìryòyà] {SS:act:} n. punishment.

irriwẹ [` ' `][ìríwɛ̀] {SS:loc:} n. beach.

irro [' `][írò] {SS:la:} n. riddle.

irru [` `][ìrù] {SS:in:} n. louse.

irruarusa [` ' ' '][ìrwáɽúsá] {SS:in:} n. (< irru-Hausa):
“Hausa louse” ― bed-bug.

isagha [' ' '][ísáɣá] {SS:fo:} n. a snack prepared from
unsifted cassava. (also efẹnrhinyẹn).

isamẹ [` ` `][ìsàmɛ̀] {SM:re:} n. 1. Christian baptism;
2. fetching of water.

isan [` `][ìsã̀] {SS:bf:} n. excrement; faeces.

isango [' ` '][ísã̀gó] {SS:re:} n. Sango, believed to
be the god of thunder.

isanhẹn [' ' `][ísã́hɛ̃̀] {SS:hh:} n. key.

isasegbe [` ` ` `][ìsàsègbè] {SS:st:} n. smartness; being
athletic.

isawẹwẹ [` ' ` `][ìsáwɛ̀wɛ̀] {SS:pl:} n. groundnut: Ar-
achis hypogoea.

ise [` '][ìsé] {SM:bs:} n. 1. nail; 2. pain in the chest
caused by the inflammation of the pleu-
ra (i.e. the two serous membranes lining
the thorax and enveloping the lungs).

isekha [` ` `][ìsèxà] {SS:la:} n. a word used before
pronouns to express sympathy or
empathy with the referent of the
%%

pronoun: it usually denotes some-
thing like “Poor so-and-so”: Egbe
ma zẹdẹ rran isekha mwẹn ― “Poor
me, I am not well at all.” (also odiguẹ).

isele [` ' `][ìsélè] {SS:unit:} n. shilling (i.e. former
English, now 5 pence); equivalent of
10K in Nigerian money.

ìsẹ [` '][ìsɛ́] {SS:re:} n. amen; response to a prayer
or blessing; implies: “So may it be!”.

ísẹ [' `][ísɛ̀] {SM::} n. 1. the seeds used for making
ukuse: they are woven loosely around
the calabash with thread in the pattem
of a net. 2. a native game played
in a carved frame with marbles or
the seeds of the otiẹn fruit. 3. any
indoor game involving the use of
seeds.

isẹguẹn [' ' '][ísɛ́gwɛ̃́] {SS:loc:} n. 1. rough, gravelly
terrain that’s very uncomfortable to
walk on barefoot.

Isẹkiri [` ` ' `][ìsɛ̀kíɽì] {SS:pn:} n. The Itsekiri people.

isẹn [` '][ìsɛ̃́] {SS:nu:} num. five.

isi¹ [` '][ìsí] {SS:loc:} n. foreign land; a place other
than the homeland. (also isiẹvbo).

isi² [` '][ìsí] {SS:loc:} n. source; origin; the base:
Emwin ne u ru na hia, ẹ i mwẹn a
ma miẹ isi ẹre ― “All these things
you are doing, we must see the
source.”

Isi [` `][ìsì] {SS:loc:} n. name of a group of Ẹdo
villages.

isiamẹ¹ [` ` `][ìsyàmɛ̃̀] {SS::} n. (< i-si-amẹ)
“drawing of water”; rain-making.

isiame² [` ` `][ìsyàmɛ̃̀] {SS:st:} n. the state of being
emaciated.

isiẹvbo [` ' `][ìsyɛ́ʋò] {SS:loc:} n. foreign land. (cf. isi).
$Page 076$

isinmwiengbe [` ` ` `][ìsĩ̀ɱỹẽ̀gbè] {SS::} n. (< i-
sinmwin-egbe) “saving of the body” ―
treatment from illness.

isinmwin [` ' `][ìsĩ́ɱĩ̀] {SS:fa:} n. siblings born after
one; one’s younger sibling or the
equivalent: Ozo ọre isinmwin mwẹn
ukpogie eha ― “Ozo is my sibling
born third after me.” or “Ozo is
equivalent to someone born 3rd
after me.”

iso¹ [` '][ìsó] {SS:loc:} n. sky; space.

iso² [` '][ìsó] {SS:bs:} n. a deep muscle abscess
suffered by the elderly.

isoko [' ' '][ísókó] {SM:loc:} n. 1. outskirts of; en-
virons: isoko-Edo ― the outskirts
of Benin; 2. the people of Isoko
ethnic group.

isotọn [` ` `][ìsòtɔ̃̀] {SS:act:} n. a part of the second
burial ceremony at which a proces-
sion dances through the streets with
otọn and okun. It takes place on
the fifth day.

isọkẹn [` ` `][ìsɔ̀kɛ̃̀] {SS:em:} n. contentment; satisfac-
tion.

isọtẹ [` ` `][ìsòtɛ̀] {SS:em:} n. defiance; rebellion.

isu [` '][ìsú] {SS:ec:} n. interest (e.g. paid on a
loan).

isue [' '][ísué] {SM:in:} n. 1. a hairy caterpillar be-
lieved to emit some poison when
touched; 2. whitlow, caused by the
caterpillar. (cf atọwọ, aganmwinsoso).

isunsun [` ` `][ìsũ̀sũ̀] {SS:st:} n. nuisance; trouble.

itaba [' ' `][ítábà] {SS:pl:} n. tobacco.

itakhuẹn [' ' `][ítáxwɛ̃̀] {SM:to:} n. 1. a load-carry-
ing pad made from the bark of the
plantain plant; it is also used as the
sponge for rubbing mud walls and
%%

floors with a fresh coating of wet
mud; 2. rags; shredded cloth.

itakpa [' ' `][íták͡pà] {SS:pe:} n. the Edo name for
the Nupe people; (the name derives
from the tribal marks which they
wear on their faces).

italawẹ [` ' ` `][ìtálàwɛ̀] {SS:cl:} n. trousers.

ítan [' '][ítã́] {SM:la:} n. 1. proverb; 2. a story
illustrating a saying or a proverb;
3. a historical narrative, usually with
a moral.

ìtan [` ` ][ìtàn] {SS:act:} n. the feather-ordeal, which
was used to detect the culprit in a
theft, or to determine whether some-
body was guilty or not of adultery.

itee [' `'][ítèé] {SS:bf:} n. unending menstrual flow,
or foul-smelling vagina discharge.

itehie [' ` '][ítèhyé] {SS:fo:} n. the small berries of
a wild plant used by some in a sauce
for eating boiled yam or plantain;
it is said to have a sour taste.

itengbemu [` ` ` `][ìtẽ̀gbèmũ̀] {SS::} n. “lifting up
one’s self”: haughtiness; disdainfulness;
lack of humility.

itẹ [' '][ítɛ́] {SS:loc:} n. cemetery (also ikpẹkpẹ).

itiẹzọ [` ` `][ìtyɛ̀zɔ̀] {SS:act:} n. “calling of a case”:
summoning to court; serving with
summons.

itohan [` ` `][ìtòhã̀] {SS:em:} n. mercy; compassion.

itohia [` ` `][ìtòhyà] {SS:an:} n. guinea-worm.

itotaya [` ` ` `][ìtòtàyà] {SS:be:} n. buttocks. (also
ikebe).

itue [' '][ítwé] {SS:pl:} n. a tree; it has an orange-
coloured latex.

ive [` '][ìvé] {SS:ec:} n. selling price.
$Page 077$

ivie [` '][ìvyé] {SM:cl:} n. 1. coral beads; 2. beads.

ivin [' `][ívĩ̀] {SM:pl:} n. 1. palm tree; 2. coconut
(also ivin-ebo); 3. palm kernels (also
ivin-ehiagha); 4. nut.

ivin-eva [' ` '][ívỹèvá] {SS::} idiom. “two nuts”:
twins; ivin eha: “tree nuts”: triplets,
etc.

ivbabọ [` ` `][ìʋàbɔ̀] {SM:st:} n. 1. empty-handedness;
2. poverty.

ivbi [` `][ìuì] {SS:be:} n. scrotum.

ivbiẹ [' `][ívyɛ̀] {SS:loc:} n. quiet and solitary place
or time.

ivbiẹkpo [` ` `][ìvyɛ̀kpò] {SS:an:} n. a variety of
poisonous snake (possibly the night
adder).

ivbiorre [` ' `][ìvyórè] {SS:pe:} n. (< ivbi-orre): mem-
bers of the new generation: the youth;
the young people.

ivbiovẹn [` ' `][ìvyóvɛ̃̀] {SS:in:} n. idiom. “children
of the sun”: small butterflies that
fly in swarms, usually of a single
colour only.

iwakọn [` ` `][ìwàkɔ̃̀] {SS:em:} n. (< i-wo-akọn) “be-
ing strong of teeth”: greed; avarice.

iwaniẹmwẹn [` ` ` `][ìwã̀nyɛ̃̀ɱɛ̃̀] {SS:act:} n. response;
reply.

iwẹro [` ` `][ìwɛ̀ɽò] {SM:st:} n. 1. conscienciousness;
diligence; 2. maturity; sensibility:
Iwẹro ọghe enekherhe ẹre ọ sẹ ọghe
enodion. “The sense of maturity
of the younger is greater than that
of the older.”

iwẹnwẹn [' `][íw̃ɛ̃w̃ɛ̃̀] {SS::} n. craftiness; cun-
ning.

iwinna [` ` `][ìw̃ĩ̀nà] {SS:ec:} n. work; labour.
%%

iwowo [' ' '][íwówó] {SS:ho:} n. a shed or shack
built of planks, leaves, or any other
make-shift material.

ìwu¹ [` `][ìwù] {SS::} n. the Edo traditional
ethnic marks; no longer worn by
present generations.

ìwu² [` `][ìwù] {SS:fa:} n. direct offspring; one’s
children. (also ọmọ-iwu).

íwu [' `][íwù] {SS:to:} n. capacity (of a container);
cubic capacity. 2. the interior of a
container.

iya [` `][ìyà] {SM:loc:} n. 1. ditch; valley; 2. the
big ditch around the Benin walls:
Iya Oguọla ― Oguọla’s ditch (the
ditch was said to have been dug at
the instance of Oba Oguọla).

íyà [ `][iiyà] {SS:int:} int. an exclamation of irrita-
tion or impatience. Iya, wẹ i hẹnmwẹn
ne a ta? ― “Why, don’t you hear
what is being said?”

iyabọ [` ' ][ìyábɔ] {SS:em:} n. forgiveness.

iyama [` ' ][ìyáma] {SM::} n. 1. an identification
mark; 2. scar.

iyan [` '][ìyã́] {SS:fo:} n. yam.

iyarre [` ' `][ìyárè] {SS:gr:} n. “May you go and
return”: goodwill greeting, usually
called out to somebody embarking
on a challenging enterprise such as
war; or to somebody going on a
long journey. It is also the traditional
greeting to the Ọba or any of his chiefs
by the populace on any stately oc-
casion.

Iyasẹ [' ` '][íyàsɛ́] {SS:pn:} n. the title of the most
important chief in Benin; he is the
head of the Eghaevbo n’Ore.

iyayi [` ' `][ìyáyì] {SS:re:} n. belief; faith.: iyayi
Ekristi: “the Christian faith.”
$Page 078$

iye [' '][íyé] {SS:fa:} n. mother; iyiye: “mother’s
mother”: maternal grandmother.

iye-nagbon [' ` ' `][íyènág͡bɔ̃̀] {SS:fa:} idiom. mistress;
lover.

iye-nọkhua [' ` ' `][íyènɔ́xwà] {SS:fa:} n. grand-
mother.

iyekabọ [` ' ` '][ìyékàbɔ́] {SS:be:} n. “back of the
hand”: carelessness; lack of diligence.

iyeke [` ` `][ìyèkè] {SS:be:} n. back (of the body);
hind side (of something).

iyekiyeke [` ` ' ` '][ìyèkíyèké] {SS::} adv. backwards:
iyekiyeke ọ ru ghe ― “He is always
doing backward, i.e. He does not
make progress”.

iyekowa [` ' ` '][ìyékòwá] {SS:ho:} n. (< iyeke-owa)
“back of the house”; backyard; latrine.

iyenhọ [` ` `][ìỹẽ̀hɔ̀] {SS:em:} n. (< i-yin-ehọ) “deaf-
ness”: disobedience; stubbornness.

iyerha [' '][íyeřá] {SS:fa:} n. (< iye-erha) “father’s
mother”, paternal grandmother.

iyerhẹn [` ` `][ìyèřɛ̃̀] {SS::} n. “the setting of fire”
burning the undergrowth on a plot
as part of its preparation for cultiva-
tion.

iyẹ [` `][ìyɛ̀] {SS:in:} n. (chicken lice) a kind of
tiny insect found on chickens.

iyẹn [` `][ìyɛ̃̀] {SS:act:} n. news; gossip.

iyẹn-nọma [` ` ` '][ìỹɛ̀nɔ̀má] {SM:re:} idiom. 1. (Chris-
tian): gospel; 2. good tidings.

iyẹngbe [` ` `][ìỹɛ̃̀g͡bè] {SS::} n. straining to eject
something from the body (e.g. a
woman during childbirth; or some-
body defecating).

iyi [` '][ìyí] {SS::} n. law; rule; regulation. (cf.
uhi).
%%

iyin [' `][íyĩ̀] {SS:pl:} n. the sasswood tree; the
bark is used in the preparation of
an ordeal for witches.

iyiye [' ' '][íyíyé] {SS:fa:} n. (< iye-iye) “mother’s
mother”: maternal grandmother.

iyobọ [` ` `][ìyòbɔ̀] {SS::} n. assistance; help.

iyodede [' ' ` `][íyódèdè] {SS::} n. (< iye-odede)
“old mother”: grandmother.

iyokuo [` ` `][ìyòkwò] {SS:pr:} n. warrior; soldier.

iyokho [' ` '][íyòxó] {SS:fo:} n. coco-yam.

Iyọba [' ' '][íyɔ́bá] {SS:pn:} n. (< iye-Ọba) “mother
of the Ọba” the Queen-mother.

iyọha [` ` `][ìyɔ̀hà] {SS:ec:} n. pawn; something left
in a creditor’s keeping as security or
pledge for an unpaid debt.

iyọmọ [' ' `][íyɔ́mɔ̀] {SM:fa:} n. 1. a nursing mother;
2. any woman who has borne a child.

ìyọyọ [` ` `][ìyɔ̀yɔ̀] {SS::} n. tassel (e.g. of ear
of corn); loosely hanging cords as
ornamented fringe on native crowns.

íyọyọ [' ' '][íyɔ́yɔ́] {SS:fo:} n. a variety of vegetable
used in native soups. (also known
as ebe nesiẹnsiẹn “narrow leaves”).

izabọ [' ' `][ízábɔ̀] {SS:be:} n. shoulder.

izabọbọ [` ` `][ìzabɔ̀bɔ̀] {SS:mu:} n. merriment in the
form of singing and dancing.

izagodo [` ` ' '][ìzàgódó] {SS:to:} n. kerosine tin, usu-
ally about 4 gallons in capacity.

izakhue [` ` `][ìzàxwɛ̀] {SS::} n. the ceremonies
performed on the 3rd day of a second
burial; which involves the killing of
a goat at the deceased’s gate, and
a processional dance through town.

izazako [` ` ` '][ìzàzàkó] {SS:an:} n. a brown variety
$Page 079$

of antelope.

izedu [` ` `][ìzèdù] {SS:la:} n. translating; interpret-
ing.

izenọfua [` ` ' `][ìzènɔ́fwà] {SS:an:} n. crayfish.

izevbudu [` ` ` `][ìzèʋùdù] {SS:em:} n. “being hard in
the heart”: stubbornness; obstinacy.

izẹ [' `][ízɛ̀] {SS:fo:} n. rice.

izẹ-Ẹdo [' ' `][ízɛ́dò] {SS:fo:} n. “Benin rice”: the
native variety of rice, which is a
tree: Treculia africana, with big and
round fruits, the seeds of which
constitute the rice. It is processed
and made into rice pudding which
is sold in little cakes as snack, rather
than a full meal.

izẹghede [` ` ` `][ìzɛ̀ɣèdè] {SS:ho:} n. a shack.

izẹtin [` ` `][ìzɛ̀tĩ̀] {SS:em:} n. defiance; open dis-
obedience: Emwin izẹtin ne ọ ru ẹre
iran gu mu enrẹn khui ― “His defiant
acts are what made them arrest him.”

iziengbe [` ` `][ìzẏẽ̀g͡bè] {SS:em:} n. patience; endur-
%%

ance.

izigha [' ` '][ízìɣá] {SS:pe:} n. murderer.

izobo [` ' `][ìzóbò] {SS::} n. sacrifice in the form
of food, or food substances left at
road junctions for witches and other
evil forces.

izohu [` ` `][ìzòhù] {SS:em:} n. (< izẹ-ohu) “produc-
ing anger”, provocation; irritation.

izozo [` ' `][ìzózò] {SS:act:} n. wandering; roaming.

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

izọmọ [` ` `][ìzɔ̀mɔ̀] {SS:act:} n. naming ceremony of
an infant; it was traditionally per-
formed on the seventh day of birth,
but the timing is no longer rigid in
practice.

izu [` `][ìzù] {SS:nu:} n. even number.

izunu [` ` `][ìzùnù] {SS:fo:} n. being hard to please
with food; refusing to eat what one
does not like, and finding little to
like.