The Etymology of the Germanic 'dream': A Possible Solution for an Ancient Problem

In this paper, the etymology of the PGm. form * draumaz is investigated. Its derivatives in the historical languages mostly mean 'dream', but other meanings are also attested, such as 'noise', 'music', etc. This semantic plurality is generally addressed in the literature by assuming two original forms, formally identical, but semantically different (*draumaz 'dream' and *draumaz 'noise, etc.'). The generally-accepted etymology for *draumaz 'dream' is controversial, inasmuch as it neatly contrasts with the old Germanic conception of dreams; also, it does not take into account the other attested meanings. Therefore, from the perspective suggested by Dick (1973), who regards as crucial the relation between the concepts of 'ecstasy' and 'dream', an attempt is made to provide a unitary etymological history, such that it may account for the observed semantic plurality. Two alternative hypotheses are discussed: the former, which is grounded on a previous, unnoticed etymology proposal, provides a possible semantic development, but it is flawed by significative phonetic problems; the latter, formally unproblematic, consists of a single semantic development of *draumaz, such that all attested meanings are accounted for in a consistent and organic way.