ḫt n šnj

Egyptian

Etymology

ḫt (“tree”) +‎ n(j) (“of”) +‎ šnj (“hair”).

Pronunciation

• (modern Egyptological) IPA^(key): /xɛt ɛn ʃɛni/
  • Conventional anglicization: khet en sheni

Noun

 m

1. (hapax) an unknown plant, a tree or shrub that either is hairy or has hairy-looking inflorescences, fruits, or seeds [18th Dynasty]
   • 18th Dynasty, tomb of Ineni (TT81), list of trees:

     nh[t] nt d(ꜣ)b 5
     ḫt-n-šnj 3
     b(ꜣ)q 2

     fig-sycamore . . . 5
     hair-tree . . . 3
     moringa tree . . . 2

Usage notes

This word is a hapax legomenon, mentioned only in the list of trees and shrubs in the tomb of Ineni at Thebes (TT81). Its position in this list implies it is of tropical origin or adapted to conditions in the Nubian region of Egypt.

References

• Baum, Nathalie (1991) “Quelques idées sur l’arbre à cheveux ḫt n šn” in Revue d’Égyptologie, volume 42, pages 11–24