Etymology

Origin disputed. Compare Aromanian mãndzu, (Daco-) Romanian mânz; possibly from or related and cognate to Albanian (Gheg) mâz (compare standard mëz) through the substratum, or of Illyrian origin. Compare the Thracian word mezenai, "horse", and Messapian Menzana, a horse deity. Compare also Italian manzo, probably ultimately from the same source.