Hammond and Scull apparently understand this word as a derivative of neledh "three", hence their translation neledh neledhi "three by three". However, we have shown in Hiswelókë (third issue, pp. 74-78) that this word is conceivably a verb derived from LED "to go". The prefix ne- also occurs in nestegi "to insert, stick in"
Noldorin
minna-
verb. to enter
di
preposition. in
ne-
prefix. in
nedh-
prefix. in, inside, mid-
neledh-
verb. to enter
See also the preposition ned , and the noun ened for a discussion of this form