Number: 2364
Proto-Semitic: *bilbill-
Meaning: 'winged ant'
Akkadian: (?) bilbillu 'a kind of wasp' SB [CAD b 225], [AHw. 863] (pilpillu is given as an alternative reading). // Hapax in MSL 8/2 61:222-222a (= Sum. NIM.UR4.UR4). Rejected reading
Tigrai (Tigriñña): (?) bǝliʕ, balǝʕ < 'eat' (insect pest, vermin') K Tna 1096
Amharic: bilbilla 'winged ant' [K 865]; bǝl 3 LGur 139 (<Cush.?)
Harari: (?) bǝli 'moth that eats clothes' < *blʕ 'eat'
East Ethiopic: (?) Sel. Wol. bil 'moth that eats clothes' < *blʕ 'eat'
Gurage: End. Gye. Muh. Msq. Gog. Zwy. bǝl, Sod bǝlä 3 LGur 139 ("from blʕ 'eat, swallow'"). Cf. Sel. billāčča, Muh. bǝllač, Zwy. billanča, Sod. bǝrračča, Gog. Msq. bǝllǝt, bullačča, End bilbilānčä 'butterfly' [LGur. 139] are most probably Cushtisms (so Leslau [ibid.]).
