Etymologically
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festivalis

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Pronunciation

  • Classical: [feːs.tiːˈwaː.lɪs][1]
  • Ecclesiastical: [fes.tiˈvaː.lis][1]

Forms

fēstīvālis (neuter fēstīvāle); third-declension two-termination adjective[1]

Etymology

It is formed from Latin fēstīvus (“festive, joyous”) + -ālis,[1] from fēstus (“festive”).[1][2] Etymonline derives it from fēstum (“feast, holiday”).[3]

Earliest recorded meaning

Robert of Torigni uses it in his chronicle under the year 1181, of the festive ornament a church lacked on a feast day.[4][2]

Semantic evolution

It meant “of a feast day” and so “solemn, festive”.[4][5] British writers used it of festive joy and of festive dress, and especially of Church feast days and of the liturgy and vestments for them.[5] In German records the dēnāriī fēstīvālēs were dues paid from the offerings of a church.[4] Through Old French, and directly, it gave English festival.[3]

Timeline

  • before 1186 – Robert of Torigni uses it of a church's festive ornament.[4][2]
  • 1364 – A Durham record speaks of the day after the feast days.[5]
  • late 14th century – English has festival day, from which festival was shortened.[3]

Meanings

Adjective

  1. (Medieval Latin) Of a feast day, festive, solemn.[4][5][1]
  2. (Medieval Latin, ecclesiastical) Of a Church holiday; used on feast days (of the liturgy or vestments).[5][3]
  3. (Medieval Latin) Paid from the offerings of a feast (of dues).[4]

References

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