The article analyzes a series of lexicographic and exegetical entries, showing how they arose from the ancient discussion on the uncertain spelling of ἀνακωχή/ἀνοκωχή in Thuc. I 40,4. In the ancient exegesis, the word was either accepted in the alpha form – which later prevailed in the manuscript tradition – due to a supposed etymological connection with ἀκωκή, or spelled with omicron based on a comparison with Herodotus’ text.