padela

Forms

padela f (genitive padelae); first declension^[1][2] The spelling padula is also recorded.^[1][2]

Etymology

The DMLBS gives it as borrowed from Middle English padel (“paddle”).^[1] Köbler marks its origin as unexplained.^[2]

Earliest recorded meaning

It is first recorded in 1307, in manorial accounts from Wroughton, for a long-handled spade used on ploughs.^[1][2]

Semantic evolution

The tool was used to clear sticky soil from the plough; an account of 1380 from Chilbolton records three padelae bought for cleaning ploughs.^[1]

Timeline

• 1307 – Manorial accounts from Wroughton record padulae made for the ploughs.^[1][2]
• 1380 – Accounts from Chilbolton record three bought for cleaning ploughs.^[1]

Meanings

Noun

1. (Medieval Latin) A paddle, a long-handled spade for clearing clinging soil from a plough.^[1][2]

Usage notes

In Catalan charters of the 10th and 11th centuries, padela and padella are spellings of patella “pan”, a separate word.^[3]

References

1. ^ a b c d e f g h 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
2. ^ a b c d e f Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
3. ^ Glossarium Mediae Latinitatis Cataloniae (1960–; online ed. 2025), Barcelona: CSIC / Institució Milà i Fontanals, gmlc.imf.csic.es