primalis

Forms

primalis (neuter primale); third-declension adjective^[1][2]

Etymology

It is from Latin prīmus (“first”) + -ālis,^[2] formed in Medieval Latin.^[1] prīmus goes back to the Proto-Italic superlative *prī̆-isamo- (“first”).^[3]

Earliest recorded meaning

Köbler dates the first record Latham gives to about 1180.^[2] The Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources quotes Daniel of Beccles, who promises a man with a fine horse and a full table that he will be welcomed as the foremost of friends.^[1]

Semantic evolution

It meant first in rank or importance, chief.^[1] Du Cange glosses it with primarius, principalis and praecipuus and quotes a charter of 1485.^[4]

Timeline

• c. 1180 – The first record Latham gives, according to Köbler.^[2]
• 1485 – A charter quoted by Du Cange uses it.^[4]

Meanings

Adjective

1. (Medieval Latin) First in rank or importance, chief, principal.^[1][4][2]

Related words

• prīmārius
• prīncipālis

References

1. ^ a b c d e 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 Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
3. ^ de Vaan, Michiel (2008), Etymological Dictionary of Latin and the other Italic Languages, Leiden Indo-European Etymological Dictionary Series 7, Leiden; Boston: Brill
4. ^ a b c du Cange, Charles du Fresne, et al. (1883–1887), Glossarium mediae et infimae latinitatis, augmented ed. by Léopold Favre, Niort: L. Favre