lepos

From *lep- + -ōs (suffix forming abstract nouns), related to the suffixed adjective lepidus (“pleasant, charming”). The origin of the root is unknown. Based purely on form, it has been compared with Ancient Greek λεπτός (leptós) and λέπω (lépō, “to peel”), but because of the different meanings, this connection is uncertain and rejected by Ernout and Meillet 1985. De Vaan 2008 is skeptical, but suggests a change from "what has been peeled" to "refinement" is thinkable.