The etymology of laz

Abstract

Proto-Slavic *lzъ lza m. ‛(fallow) field or meadow created where there used to be forest’ is explained as derived from Proto-Indo-European *lo-ós, the o-grade form of *le- with Balto-Slavic lengthening according to Winter’s law. The Proto-IndoEuropean root *le- ‛wind, bend’ might have also developed into Proto-Slavic *lězti, *loza, and*lěsъ.