Etymologically
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mercator

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 16 October 2026 at 15:23. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA (Classical): [mɛrˈkaː.tɔr][1]
  • IPA (Ecclesiastical): [merˈkaː.tor][1]

Forms

mercātor m (genitive mercātōris, feminine mercātrīx); third declension[1]

Etymology

It is from mercor “to trade”, from merx “goods”, with the suffix -tor.[2][1][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

Köbler's first source is Plautus, whom he dates c. 250–184 BC.[3]

Semantic evolution

It meant a merchant, trader.[2]

Medieval Latin used mercātōrēs for people engaged in trade, crafts or any calling other than farming.[4] British Medieval Latin distinguished itinerant merchants and merchants of the Church and monasteries.[5] It survives in Italian mercatore and Portuguese mercador.[1] English merchant is from the same verb, through Anglo-French marchaunt.[6]

Timeline

  • c. 250–184 BC – Plautus uses it.[3]
  • early 13th century – English merchant is recorded.[6]

Meanings

Noun

  1. A merchant, trader.[2]
  2. (Medieval Latin) A craftsman or tradesman.[4]

Word family

  • mercātōrius

References

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