Etymologically
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decus

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Pronunciation

  • IPA (Classical): [ˈdɛ.kʊs][1]
  • IPA (Ecclesiastical): [ˈdɛː.kus][1]

Forms

decus n (genitive decoris); third declension[1]

Etymology

It is inherited from Proto-Italic *dekos (“dignity”), inherited from Proto-Indo-European *déḱos (“that which is proper”), from the root Proto-Indo-European *deḱ- (“to take, perceive”) of decet “it is fitting”.[1][2][3] The OLD compares Sanskrit दशस् (daśas) and Old Irish dech.[2]

Earliest recorded meaning

The OLD's first citation is Plautus, of honour.[2] Köbler dates Plautus c. 250–184 BC.[3]

Semantic evolution

It meant high esteem, honour, glory, as in Plautus, a source of honour or distinction, as Cicero's ornaments of temples, and in the plural honourable exploits, as in Livy.[2][4] It was applied to a person who confers distinction, as in Sallust, and meant seemly behaviour, dignity, decorum, as in Cicero.[2] It also meant beauty, grace, splendour, as in Virgil, and an ornament.[2]

In Ecclesiastical Latin it meant beauty, grace, glory, honour, distinction.[5] In Medieval Latin it meant glory, honour, and a source of glory.[6] Its derivative decōrus “seemly” gave English decorum in the 1560s, and English decent comes from decēns, the participle of decēre.[7]

Timeline

  • c. 250–184 BC – Plautus uses it of honour.[2][3]
  • 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of ornaments and of decorum.[2][4][3]
  • 70–19 BC – Virgil uses it of beauty.[2][3]
  • 1560s – English decorum is recorded.[7]

Meanings

Noun

  1. Honour, glory.[2]
  2. A source of honour, (plural) exploits.[2]
  3. A person who confers distinction.[2]
  4. Dignity, decorum.[2]
  5. Beauty, grace; an ornament.[2]

Word family

  • decorō
  • decorosus
  • dēdecor
  • dēdecus

Usage notes

Decus is also a form of decussis, a coin worth ten asses.[2][8]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
  3. ^ a b c d e Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  4. ^ a b Gaffiot, Félix (2016), Dictionnaire latin-français, new ed. by Gérard Gréco et al. (Gaffiot 2016), online ed.
  5. ^ Stelten, Leo F. (1995), Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Latin, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson
  6. ^ 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
  7. ^ a b Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  8. ^ Lewis, Charlton T.; Short, Charles (1879), A Latin Dictionary, Oxford: Clarendon Press