# \*rby: 'foster father, foster-parent'

> Proto-Semitic *rby, 'foster father, foster-parent': reflexes in 2 language(s).

A page of the Linear A Lexicon's research wiki, in [Wiki](<https://linear-a.ai/wiki/index.md>) › [Kaphtor Semitic Roots](<https://linear-a.ai/wiki/semitic-roots/index.md>) › [R](<https://linear-a.ai/wiki/semitic-roots/r/index.md>). Updated 2026-10-26.

## Root

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Reconstruction | \*rby |
| Meaning | 'foster father, foster-parent' |
| Basis | project |

## Reflexes

| Language | Form | Sources | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akkadian | murabbânu (murabbiānu) (CAD M/2 216); murabbītu (CAD M/2 216) | CAD M/2 216 | gloss withheld |
| Syrian Aramaic | mrabyānā, fem. mrabyānītā 'one who brings up, tends, rears, a nurse, foster-father or mother' (Payne Smith 298) | Payne Smith 298 |  |

A form keeps its source's gloss only when the source is public domain or openly licensed.

## Notes

D participle with -ān of the verb 'to grow; to rear' (CAD M/2 216: cf. rabû v.). The verb is 3632 \*rbw 'to grow, increase; to rear'. Cf. 838 \*ynḳ 'wet-nurse', 60 \*rabīb- 'nursing mother', 2477 \*rabb- 'big'.

## Linked from

- [R](<https://linear-a.ai/wiki/semitic-roots/r/index.md>)

---

Page: https://linear-a.ai/wiki/semitic-roots/r/3617_foster_father_foster_parent/
Licence: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Cite as: di Mino, Tom. 2026. Linear A Lexicon. Plasma AI. https://linear-a.ai/. Data: kaphtor, commit add28e94.