Etymologically
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armistitium

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Pronunciation

  • Classical: [ar.mɪsˈtɪ.ti.ũː][1]
  • Ecclesiastical: [ar.misˈtit.t͡si.um][1]

Forms

armistitium n (genitive armistitiī or armistitī); second declension[1]

Etymology

It is from Latin arma (“arms, weapons”) + sistō (“to halt”) + -ium,[1] formed like sōlstitium “solstice”, whose second part, ⟨-stitium⟩, occurs only in compounds.[1][2] Etymonline traces that part to a suffixed form of Proto-Indo-European *steh₂- (“to stand”).[2] Köbler also compares statuō (“to set up, establish”).[3]

Earliest recorded meaning

The first record is of 1335, in the Scottish rolls, where it is agreed that an armistitium should be made on both sides.[4][3]

Semantic evolution

It is a medieval and New Latin word for a truce, a halt in fighting agreed by both sides.[4][1] English used it in its Latin form from the 1660s;[2] French made armistice from it in the 1680s, and English took that in 1707 as armistice.[2] German Waffenstillstand translates the French word.[2]

Timeline

  • 1335 – The Scottish rolls record an agreement on an armistitium.[4][3]
  • 1660s – English uses the Latin form armistitium.[2]
  • 1680s – French armistice is formed after it.[2]
  • 1707 – English armistice, from French.[2]

Meanings

Noun

  1. (Medieval Latin, New Latin) A truce, armistice.[4][1][3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ a b c d Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  4. ^ a b c d 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