Etymologically
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calumnia

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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

  • 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