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[100] τανηλεγής is generally described as a graphic epithet of Death, viz. the ‘outstretcher;’ the allusion being to the body ‘streaked’ for burial. The ordinary derivation (“ταναός . . λέγω”, ‘to lay’) has however this difficulty, that the root of “λέγειν” being “λεχ”, the form should be “τανηλεχής”. Düntzer, ad loc. refers this word, and “δυσηλεγής” Od.22. 325, to “ἀλγεῖν”, comparing “ἀλεγεινός” with “ἀλγεινός”. The change from the “α” to “η” he illustrates by “ἀν-ήκεστος” from “ἀκέομαι”. Hesych. gives both lines of interpretation; (1) “παρατεταμένην ἔχοντος τὴν ἀλγηδόνα”, and (2) “μακροκοιμήτου”, in which second rendering he seems to take “ταναός” as referring to ‘length of time.’

Homer's Odyssey. W. Walter Merry. James Riddell. D. B. Monro. Oxford. Clarendon Press. 1886-1901.

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