politia

Pronunciation

• IPA (Classical): [pɔ.liːˈtiː.a]^[1]
• IPA (Ecclesiastical): [po.liˈt͡siː.a]^[1]

Forms

polītīa f (genitive polītīae); first declension^[1]

Etymology

It is borrowed from Ancient Greek πολιτεία (politeía, “citizenship, constitution”).^[2][1][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

Köbler's first source is Cicero, whom he dates 81–43 BC.^[3]

Semantic evolution

In classical Latin it was the name of Plato's Republic.^[2][4]

Medieval Latin used it for a regime.^[5] British Medieval Latin used it for a form of government, administration, a constitution, a state.^[4] Through Old French policie it gave English policy in the late 14th century, and through Middle French police it gave English police in the 1530s; English polity is recorded from the 1530s.^[1][6]

Timeline

• 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of Plato's Republic.^[2][3]
• late 14th century – English policy is recorded.^[6]
• 1530s – English police is recorded.^[6]

Meanings

Noun

1. The Republic of Plato.^[2]
2. (Medieval Latin) A form of government; a constitution; a state.^[5][4]

Related words

• English policy
• English police
• English polity

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 Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
4. ^ 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
5. ^ a b Niermeyer, J. F. (1976), Mediae Latinitatis Lexicon Minus, Leiden: Brill
6. ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com