lacerta

Pronunciation

• IPA (Classical): [ɫaˈkɛr.ta]^[1]
• IPA (Ecclesiastical): [laˈt͡ʃɛr.ta]^[1]

Forms

lacerta f (genitive lacertae); first declension^[1] It is also masculine, lacertus.^[2][3]

Etymology

Its origin is unknown.^[1][4] It is identical in form with lacertus “upper arm”, and the OLD compares that word.^[2][4] Wiktionary also mentions a possible link with Ancient Greek λικερτίζω (likertízō, “to spring, dance”).^[1]

Earliest recorded meaning

The OLD's earliest citations are from Cicero, of a lizard and of a fish.^[2] Köbler dates Cicero 81–43 BC.^[5]

Semantic evolution

It meant a lizard, and the fish called Spanish mackerel, as in Cicero.^[2]

British Medieval Latin used it for a lizard and a newt.^[3] It survives in Spanish and Portuguese lagarto and Catalan llagart, and through Old French laisarde it gave English lizard in the late 14th century.^[1][4]

Timeline

• 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of a lizard.^[2][5]
• late 14th century – English lizard is recorded.^[4]

Meanings

Noun

1. A lizard.^[2]
2. The Spanish mackerel.^[2]
3. (Medieval Latin) A newt.^[3]

Word family

• lacertus

Related words

• English lizard

References

1. ^ a b c d e f Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f g Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
3. ^ a b c 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
4. ^ a b c d Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
5. ^ a b Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de