Etymologically
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lector

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 16 October 2026 at 16:02. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA (Classical): [ˈɫeːk.tɔr][1]
  • IPA (Ecclesiastical): [ˈlɛk.tor][1]

Forms

lēctor m (genitive lēctōris, feminine lēctrīx); third declension[1]

Etymology

It is from legō “to read” with the suffix -tor.[2][1][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

Köbler's first source is Lucilius, whom he dates c. 180–102 BC.[4]

Semantic evolution

It meant a reader, and in Cicero a slave employed to read aloud.[2]

In Christian Latin it was a cleric of the second of the minor orders, who read the lessons, and a monk charged with reading.[5][6] British Medieval Latin used it for a reader.[7] It survives in Italian lettore, and Late Latin lector gave English lector in the late 14th century, a cleric appointed to read.[1][3]

Timeline

  • c. 180–102 BC – Lucilius uses it.[4]
  • 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of a reader slave.[2][4]
  • late 14th century – English lector is recorded.[3]

Meanings

Noun

  1. A reader; a professional reader.[2]
  2. (Ecclesiastical Latin) A lector, one of the minor orders.[6][5]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
  3. ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  4. ^ a b c Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  5. ^ a b Niermeyer, J. F. (1976), Mediae Latinitatis Lexicon Minus, Leiden: Brill
  6. ^ a b Stelten, Leo F. (1995), Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Latin, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson
  7. ^ 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