Meri-dies according to Latin authors from Cicero to Anthony of Padua: The various uses of a commonplace etymology

The etymology of meridies stands as a commonplace in the Latin literary tradition. The present article aims to expand on the evidence collected by Maltby in his 1991 A Lexicon of Ancient Latin Etymologies - primarily by extending its historical scope into the Middle Ages - and to interpret and contextualise the body of source material thus established. It is shown that in the relevant sources (chronologically ranging from Cicero [born 106 BC] to Anthony of Padua [died 1231]), the mericomponent is mostly reduced to merus or to medius, but that combinations and minor alternative explanations frequently occur. It also becomes clear that the etymology of meridies is discussed and put to use in a broad variety of text types, and in very diverse historical and cultural contexts. Lastly, it is argued that the case of meridies is illustrative of the difference between 'ancient' and 'modern' conceptions of etymology.

Jaar van publicatie:2017

BOF-keylabel:ja

IOF-keylabel:ja

CSS-citation score:1

Authors from:Government, Higher Education

Toegankelijkheid:Closed