Latin pollinctor, grec λίπ(α), picénien VEPSES. Phraséologie et élaboration poétique

The aim of the present contribution is to explore the function and meaning of pollinctor ‘undertaker’s assistant’. It is argued that the infectum of the corresponding verb pollingere is probably a ghost word. The paper then offers an interpretation of the South Picene stele of Bellante (from the sixth or fifth century) in connection with the poetic structure of the text. The hypothesis that the South Picene form vepses is etymologically related to pollinctoris supported by phraseological correlations within the South Picene inscriptions.