Comments:KW 261-262, MGCD 485. A later semantic development is 'sharp-shooter' > 'skilled, wise', although Doerfer (TMN 1, 498) suggests rather 'skilled' > 'skilled in shooting'. If he is correct, the Mong. word should be removed from the Altaic etymology. In any case, Mong. > Manchu mergen 'a very good hunter or fisherman; outstanding, wise, worthy, skilled', Evk. mergen 'mind, reason' etc. (see ТМС 1, 571, Doerfer MT 80, Rozycki 158),