Franciscanus

Forms

Franciscānus (feminine Franciscāna, neuter Franciscānum); first/second-declension adjective^[1][2]

Etymology

It is formed from Latin Franciscus + -ānus, from the personal name Franciscus, which goes back to Francus (“a Frank”).^[1]

Earliest recorded meaning

It is a late Medieval and New Latin word.^[1][2] The DMLBS cites it from 1540, in a record of possessions that had belonged to a house of Franciscan friars.^[2]

Semantic evolution

As an adjective it meant Franciscan, of the order of friars; used as a noun it meant a Franciscan friar.^[2][1] Camden writes of a castle turned into a small monastery of the Franciscans.^[2]

Timeline

• 1540 – A record speaks of a house of Franciscan friars.^[2]

Meanings

Adjective

1. (Medieval Latin) Franciscan, of the order of friars.^[2]

Noun

1. (Medieval Latin) A Franciscan friar.^[2][1]

Usage notes

Köbler also records the spelling Francescānus.^[1]

References

1. ^ a b c d e f Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
2. ^ a b c d e f g h Latham, R. E., D. R. Howlett, R. K. Ashdowne, et al. (1975–2013), Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources, London: British Academy / Oxford University Press