luth

noun. *spell, charm

An unglossed Doriathrin word derived from the root ᴹ√LUK “magic, enchantment” appearing as an element in the name Lúthien “Enchantress” (Ety/LUK). Since it ends in -th [θ], it probably developed from a primitive form such as ✱✶luktē̆, as suggested by Helge Fauskanger (AL-Doriathrin/luth). This primitive form is likely the basis for its Noldorin cognate N. lhûth “spell, charm” as well, so the Doriathrin word probably has a similar meaning. The primitive [kt] would have developed into [xθ] when double voiceless stops became spirants and this simplified to [θ] when double spirants became single. There was a similar development for oth < ᴹ✶oktā.

lúthien

feminine name. Enchantress