calumnia

Pronunciation

• IPA (Classical): [kaˈɫʊm.ni.a]^[1]
• IPA (Ecclesiastical): [kaˈlum.ni.a]^[1]

Forms

calumnia f (genitive calumniae); first declension^[1]

Etymology

It is related to the old verb calvor “to deceive”.^[2][3][4] De Vaan derives it from ⟨*kalwomno-⟩ “deceiving”, an archaic mediopassive participle, according to Wiktionary.^[1] The OLD compares Ancient Greek κηλέω (kēléō, “to bewitch”) and Old English hōlian (“to slander”), and Köbler Proto-Indo-European *kēl- (“to beguile”).^[5][6] The old spelling is ⟨kalumnia⟩.^[5][7] Isidore defines it as a quarrel over another's suit, named from ⟨calvere⟩ “to deceive”.^[4]

Earliest recorded meaning

Köbler's first source is the Lex repetundarum of 123/122 BC.^[6] The OLD's earliest citations are from Cicero.^[5]

Semantic evolution

It meant trickery, chicanery, as Cicero's matter drawn out by the trickery of Lentulus' enemies.^[7][5] In law it meant a false accusation, vexatious proceedings, calumniam iūrāre to swear that one is not suing vexatiously, and a conviction for this.^[5][2] It meant a false claim, obstruction by baseless objections, and quibbling criticism.^[5]

In Ecclesiastical Latin it meant calumny, oppression, false accusation.^[8] Medieval Latin used it for an insult, violence, a wrong, and a false claim, and British Medieval Latin for an objection or challenge.^[9][10] English calumny came in the mid-15th century, and Vulgar Latin *calumniāre through Old French chalongier gave English challenge.^[3]

Timeline

• 123/122 BC – The Lex repetundarum uses it.^[6]
• 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of vexatious accusation.^[5][6]
• c. 1200 – English challenge, ultimately from it, is recorded.^[3]
• mid-15th century – English calumny is recorded.^[3]

Meanings

Noun

1. A false accusation; vexatious proceedings.^[5]
2. A false claim; obstruction.^[5]
3. Chicanery, trickery; a sham.^[5]
4. Quibbling criticism.^[5]
5. (Medieval Latin) A wrong; a challenge.^[9][10]

Word family

• calumniōsus
• calumnior

Related words

• calumniātor
• calumniātrīx
• calumniōsē
• calvor
• English calumny
• English challenge

References

1. ^ a b c d Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b Gaffiot, Félix (2016), Dictionnaire latin-français, new ed. by Gérard Gréco et al. (Gaffiot 2016), online ed.
3. ^ a b c d Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
4. ^ a b Isidore of Seville, Etymologiarum sive Originum libri XX, ed. W. M. Lindsay (Oxford, 1911).
5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
6. ^ a b c d Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
7. ^ a b Lewis, Charlton T.; Short, Charles (1879), A Latin Dictionary, Oxford: Clarendon Press
8. ^ Stelten, Leo F. (1995), Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Latin, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson
9. ^ a b Niermeyer, J. F. (1976), Mediae Latinitatis Lexicon Minus, Leiden: Brill
10. ^ a b 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