śabdārthasambandhaḥ sa vṛddhavyavahārapūrvakaḥ, sambandhatvādidānīntarasambandhavat / sambandhaś ca vivādāspadībhūtaḥ sambandha iti svabhāvahetuḥ //
This Connection between word and meaning is preceded by the usage of elder [people], because it is a Connection, like other present-day connections. And the Connection under dispute is [indeed] a Connection – thus this is a reason based on essential nature.