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
edhen
adjective. first
ereg
place name. First
ereg
adjective. first
neledh-
verb. to enter
Earlier name for the river S. Erui from Lord of the Rings drafts from the 1940s, apparently a Noldorin word meaning ereg “first” (TI/312, WR/436).