lek

root. loose, unbind, let, permit, loose, unbind, let, permit, [ᴹ√] let loose, release

This root was the basis for the word S. leithia- “release” as in the Lay of Leithian “Release from Bondage” (S/162). The Etymologies of the 1930s ᴹ√LEK “loose, let loose, release” with derivatives like ᴹQ. lehta- “loose, slacken”, N. lheithia- “to release” and Ilk. legol “nimble, active, running free” (Ety/LEK). According to Christopher Tolkien, a note on a slip accompanying The Etymologies had Leth- “set free” instead, related to ᴹ√LED (LB/154; Ety/LEK). In a list of roots from 1959-60 the root √LEK “loose, unbind, let, permit” reappeared (VT41/6), and Tolkien’s continued use of Q. lehta and S. leithian indicates its ongoing validity (VT39/17; S/162).

lehta-

verb. loose, slacken

lehta- (1) vb. "loose, slacken" (LEK)

lenca-

verb. loose, slacken

lenca- ("k") (2) vb. "loose, slacken" (LEK. In the Etymologies as printed in LR, the misreading leuka [for lenka] appears; cf. VT45:27)

adleg-

verb. to loose, let loose, release