Etymologically
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ostrica

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Forms

ostrica f (genitive ostricae); first declension[1] The DMLBS also has forms such as ostrigium.[2]

Etymology

It is from Vulgar Latin avis strūthiō (“ostrich bird”),[3][2] from Latin avis (“bird”) and Late Latin strūthiō (“ostrich”).[3][1] The DMLBS compares Middle English ostriche and Old French ostrice, ostruce.[2]

Earliest recorded meaning

Köbler dates its first record, in Latham's word list, to before 1250.[1] It meant the ostrich.[2][1]

Semantic evolution

The DMLBS quotes it in a medical text for the ostrich's egg, and in later records of the bird itself and its feathers.[2] English had ostrich from the early 13th century, from Old French ostruce and Medieval Latin ostrica.[3]

Timeline

  • before 1250 – First record in Latham's word list, according to Köbler.[1]
  • c. 1376 – A will leaves a hall hung with ostrich feathers.[2]
  • 1384 – Royal letters grant the keeping of two ostriches presented by men of Ghent.[2]
  • 1401 – The keeping of the king's ostrich is granted.[2]

Meanings

Noun

  1. (Medieval Latin) An ostrich.[2][1][3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i 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
  3. ^ a b c d Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com