Hesychius in Harpers Dictionary of Classical Antiquities

A Greek grammarian of Alexandria, who lived probably towards the end of the fourth century A.D. He composed, with the assistance of the works of earlier lexicographers (especially the Περιεργοπένητες of Diogenianus), a lexicon (Γλῶσσαι), which has come down to us in a very confused form, but is nevertheless among the most important sources of our knowledge of the Greek language, and throws much light on the interpretation and criticism of Greek poets, orators, historians, and physicians. Editions by Alberti and Ruhnken (Leyden, 1746-66), with additions by Schon (Leipzig, 1792); and by M. Schmidt (5 vols. 1858-61). The Christian glosses, which are interpolations, have been separately edited by Ernesti (Leipzig, 1785). See Ranke, De Lex. Hesych. Vera Origine (Quedlinburg, 1831).