Etymologically
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quaesta

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Forms

quaesta f (genitive quaestae); first declension[1] It is also spelled questa and quista.[1][2][3]

Etymology

It is a medieval noun from Latin quaerō (“to seek, ask”).[1] The eLexicon Polonorum connects it with quaestus.[3] Etymonline explains the Medieval Latin spelling ⟨questa⟩, “search, inquiry”, as an alteration of quaesīta, the feminine of the past participle of that verb.[4] The DMLBS compares Middle English quest.[5]

Earliest recorded meaning

The DMLBS's earliest dated quotation, from a royal charter of 1199, lists it among unjust exactions, meaning a tax or tribute.[5]

Semantic evolution

Du Cange explains it as a tribute that is demanded or asked for.[2] In British sources it also meant a search and a judicial inquiry.[5] In Poland it was a collection of alms for the church and a due paid to the ruler.[3]

Timeline

  • 1199 – A royal charter lists it among unjust exactions.[5]
  • 1238 – Gascon records count annual rents and quaestae paid in money.[5]
  • 1298 – A Pomeranian charter frees a village from quaestae and tallages.[3]
  • c. 1300 – English quest is recorded, from Old French and also directly from Medieval Latin.[4]

Meanings

Noun

  1. (Medieval Latin) A tax or tribute.[5][2][3][1]
  2. (Medieval Latin) A search, an effort to obtain something.[5]
  3. (Medieval Latin) A judicial inquiry, an inquest.[5][1]
  4. (Ecclesiastical Latin) A collection of alms for the church.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  2. ^ 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
  3. ^ a b c d e f Lexicon mediae et infimae Latinitatis Polonorum (1953–), Kraków: Instytut Języka Polskiego PAN; electronic ed. elexicon.scriptores.pl
  4. ^ a b Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  5. ^ 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