propulsio

Forms

propulsio f (genitive propulsionis); third declension.^[1]

Etymology

The DMLBS derives it from Latin prōpulsō (“to drive away”) with the suffix -iō;^[2] the eLexicon Polonorum and Köbler instead connect it with prōpellō (“to drive forward”) and its participle prōpulsus.^[1][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

It is a medieval word.^[3] Among the DMLBS's oldest records is Orderic Vitalis, who uses it for the expulsion of two sons of King Harold.^[2]

Semantic evolution

In medieval Latin it meant a driving out or away, as of exiles or thieves;^[2][1] in monastic customaries it was the ringing of the signals that marked the hours;^[2] and it also meant urging or driving on.^[2] Polish documents use it figuratively for removal,^[1] and Köbler's earliest date is about 1266.^[3]

English propulsion (1610s), first meaning expulsion, was formed on the past-participle stem of prōpellō.^[4]

Timeline

• c. 1236 – It is used of the Franciscans urging people on.^[2]
• c. 1266 – Köbler's earliest dated record.^[3]
• 1434 – A Polish document uses it of nobles driven from their land.^[1]
• 1610s – English forms propulsion in the sense of expulsion.^[4]

Meanings

Noun

1. (Medieval Latin) A driving out or away, expulsion.^[2][1]
2. (Medieval Latin) The ringing of a signal bell.^[2]
3. (Medieval Latin) A driving or urging on, impulsion.^[2]
4. (Medieval Latin) Removal.^[1]

Related words

• prōpellō
• English propulsion

References

1. ^ a b c d e f g Lexicon mediae et infimae Latinitatis Polonorum (1953–), Kraków: Instytut Języka Polskiego PAN; electronic ed. elexicon.scriptores.pl
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 Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
4. ^ a b Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com