The variation of a dialect word and ancient mythological ideas (pasten / posten)

The description of an entry word is one of the most topical issues in dialectal lexicography. Lexicographers often deal with data having an insufficient number of fixations, unclear word-formation ties, non-transparent inner form, hypothetical etymology. Especially difficult is a choice of an entry word in the case of lexeme variation. One such word is a noun pasten / posten, common in middle and northern Russian dialects. The author analyzes accentological, morphological and phonetic variations of this word, its etymology and semantics, mythological ideas and traditional practices it reflects; discusses its lexicographical description.