ħatar

Etymology 1
From, an eighth stem from the root. Reinterpreted in Maltese as a ninth stem from a root (older 🇨🇬), then reconstrued as a first stem.

Verb

 * 1) to elect; to choose by vote
 * 2) to select; to appoint; to choose for a task or position

Etymology 2
From. At least two roots are comparable and the Maltese is perhaps from a merger of them: 1.), ; 2.) ,. If the original meaning was “club, cudgel”, then may also be relevant.

Noun

 * 1) stick, cane, rod, club, cudgel