Etymologically
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rotulus

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Forms

rotulus m (genitive rotulī); second declension[1]

Etymology

It is a diminutive of rota “wheel”, a masculine form of rotula “little wheel”.[2][3][4]

Earliest recorded meaning

Köbler's first source is Calpurnius Siculus, of the second third of the 1st century AD, who uses it in the sense of rotula “little wheel”.[2][3]

Semantic evolution

In Classical Latin it is rare, meaning a little wheel.[3] In Medieval Latin it became a roll of papyrus or parchment, and specifically the mortuary roll sent round to announce a death and ask prayers for the dead.[5][4]

It survives in French rôle and Italian ruolo.[1] Through Old French rolle it is the source of English roll “scroll”, recorded about 1200, and through French rôle of English role, about 1600, from the roll on which an actor's part was written.[4] Medieval Latin contrārotulus “counter-roll” is the source of English control.[4]

Timeline

  • 1st century AD – Calpurnius Siculus uses it of a little wheel.[3][2]
  • 716–786 – The letters of Boniface and Lull use it.[2]
  • c. 1200 – English roll (scroll) is recorded.[4]
  • c. 1600 – English role is recorded.[4]

Meanings

Noun

  1. A little wheel.[3]
  2. (Medieval Latin) A roll of papyrus or parchment; a mortuary roll.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  3. ^ a b c d e Gaffiot, Félix (2016), Dictionnaire latin-français, new ed. by Gérard Gréco et al. (Gaffiot 2016), online ed.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  5. ^ a b Niermeyer, J. F. (1976), Mediae Latinitatis Lexicon Minus, Leiden: Brill