Latin corrections - Note for the Lexicon (was Re: Hogwart's Motto, help!)

[rcraigharman at hotmail.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 21370

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "Steve Vander Ark" <vderark at b...> wrote:
> 
> By the way, in regard to Alohomora, "mora" means obstacle, so
> perhaps we're part way there? 

Well, actually, "mora" means "delay" or "pause", or by extension,
"something that causes a delay", a "hindrance"; cf. English,
"moratorium".  I suppose it's a quibble, since a "hindrance" can
be an "obstacle" too.  :^)

As for "aloho", I have another longshot guess to throw in the ring,
with Greek "aloo" here (first o = omicron, second o = omega).
The breathing is wrong (not "aloho"), but "aloo" is 2d singular
present imperative middle voice of "alaomai" = "to wander, to stray,
roam about".  If I understand the many explanations of the Greek
middle voice, this would be translated "Let yourself wander" or "Let
yourself stray".

So, if this is the correct "root", then *maybe*, JKR is conveying
"Begone, hindrance!"; though I think it comes across softer, more
like "Please go away delay."

Perhaps someone more acquainted with Greek can chime in....

....Craig