[f. Gr. ἦτα, ēta, the name of the letter η, after the analogy of LAMBDACISM (Gr. λαμβδακισμός).] The ‘Erasmian’ pronunciation of the Greek letter η as (ē) or (ę) as distinguished from the ‘Reuchlinian’ or modern Greek pronunciation (ī). Cf. ITACISM. So Etacist, one who practises or upholds etacism.
1833. E. Robinson, trans. Buttmann’s Gr. Gram., 23, note. The Erasmian [mode of pronunciation] is also called Etacism (e like a in hate).
