The word mathom is in fact a projection by Tolkien of how the Old English word māðm might have evolved if it had survived into modern English. That old word had a similar meaning to mathom as used by the Hobbits, but not quite identical, referring a small treasure or gift such as a ring or a jewel. As a derivation of Old English, the word mathom was not actually used by in the Shire (which long predated that language); instead, it represents a 'translation' of the actual old word used by the Hobbits, which was kastu.
|