Etymologically
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recommendatio

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Forms

recommendatio f (genitive recommendationis); third declension[1][2]

Etymology

It is from Latin recommendō (“to entrust, recommend”) + -tiō, formed in Medieval Latin.[1][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

Köbler dates it from 1218, after Latham's dictionary, in the sense of a recommendation or plea on someone's behalf.[2]

Semantic evolution

British sources use it for the commending of a soul to God, for recommending a person or thing as worthy, and for praise; in letters it was also a greeting.[1] Du Cange records it as an admonition or exhortation, and as the office or prayers for the dead.[4]

English borrowed it in the early 15th century, through Old French, as recommendation.[3]

Timeline

Meanings

Noun

  1. (Medieval Latin) The commending of a soul to God; the office or prayers for the dead.[1][4]
  2. (Medieval Latin) A recommendation, plea on someone's behalf.[1][2]
  3. (Medieval Latin) Commendation, praise; a greeting in a letter.[1]
  4. (Medieval Latin) An admonition, exhortation.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f 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 Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  3. ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  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