Re: Croc etymology

["Aspidel" <aspidel@wanadoo.be>]

From: "R. Irmis" <rbi@dana.ucc.nau.edu>

> Right on Tracy!  Thanks for the info.  Using my limited French skills and
> http://babelfish.altavista.com, I come up with this translation:
>
> "the generic name comes from the word Mek, which in the Lifou language is
> the name for "large earth" [relating to the name for the island?], and of
> the greek for "crocodile." The specific name makes allusion to the
> unexpected character of the presence of a crocodylian in New Caledonia."
>
> If anyone who is a bit more fluent in French would like to refine this
> translation, feel free.

Just replace "character" by "nature" in the text and the translation is
fine.
Friendly - Luc J. "Aspidel" BAILLY.