irukẹrẹ

Yoruba

Alternative forms
  • ùrùkẹ̀rẹ̀

Etymology

From Blend of ìrù (“tail”) +‎ tí (“that”) +‎ ó (“is”) +‎ kẹ̀rẹ̀ (“small, dimunitive”), literally “The tail that is diminutive”, in comparison to the tail of a horse that it derives its significance from. Its nimbleness makes it easy for those entitled to use it to handle it with dignity and grace.

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ì.ɾù.kɛ̀.ɾɛ̀/

Noun

ìrùkẹ̀rẹ̀

  1. a white (or black) flywhisk, used as a symbol of authority by chiefs, priests, and monarchs, and also used during dancing and rituals in festivals
    Synonyms: ùrù, ìrù

References
  • Oyèláràn, Ọláṣọpẹ́ (2021 December) “Oríta Borgu: the Yorùbá and the Bààtonu down the ages”, in Africa‎, volume 88, number 2, Cambridge University Press, pages 238-266
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