σφάζω
Etym. Root ΣΦΑΓ
I. "to slay, slaughter", properly "by cutting the throat" (v. σφαγή II), Hom.
II. esp. "to slaughter" victims for sacrifice, Il., Eur.
2. generally "to slay, kill", first applied to human victims, Pind., Trag.; σφ. τινὰ ἐς τὸν κρητῆρα so that the blood run into the bowl, Hdt.