Etymologically
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apodixa

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Pronunciation

  • Classical: [a.pɔˈdiːk.sa][1]
  • Ecclesiastical: [a.poˈdik.sa][1]

Forms

apodīxa f (genitive apodīxae); first declension[1] Variant spellings are apodissa, apodexa and apodisia.[2][3][1]

Etymology

It is borrowed from Ancient Greek ἀπόδειξις (apódeixis, “proof, demonstration”), according to Wiktionary through an unattested Byzantine Greek *ἀπόδειξα (*apódeixa).[1] The MLW and Köbler simply compare the Greek noun,[2][3] and the DMLBS also asks whether ἀποδοχή (apodokhḗ, “receiving”) played a part.[4]

Earliest recorded meaning

Köbler dates the first record to a charter of 1223,[3] and the MLW quotes an imperial document of 1239 that asks for a proper apodixa for sums handed over.[2]

Semantic evolution

It is a word of medieval chanceries.[2][3] Its basic meaning was a written confirmation, above all a receipt for money paid,[2][4] and it was also used of a document confirming a privilege and of a written accusation.[2][3] British records use it in the 13th century for a sealed certificate of receipt, and in the 15th century for receipts signed under sums of money found in chests.[4]

Timeline

  • 1223 – First record, in a charter.[3]
  • 1237 – An English record mentions an apodixa sealed for 15,000 marks.[4]
  • 1454 – The Ripon records speak of apodissae signed under each sum.[4]

Meanings

Noun

  1. (Medieval Latin) A receipt, a written acknowledgement of money paid.[2][4][1]
  2. (Medieval Latin) A written confirmation of a privilege.[2][3]
  3. (Medieval Latin) A written accusation.[2][3]
  • apodīxis

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Mittellateinisches Wörterbuch bis zum ausgehenden 13. Jahrhundert (1967–), Munich: C. H. Beck; Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  4. ^ a b c d e f 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