satisfactorius

Forms

satisfactōrius (feminine satisfactōria, neuter satisfactōrium); first/second-declension adjective^[1]

Etymology

It is formed from Latin satisfactor + -ius in Medieval Latin.^[2] Köbler refers it to satisfaciō (“to make amends”).^[1]

Earliest recorded meaning

Latham records it from about 1225,^[1] in the sense of serving to make satisfaction or atonement for an offence or a sin.^[2]

Semantic evolution

It was a word of penitential theology: Thomas of Chobham speaks of alms given by a penitent as satisfactory, and Duns Scotus and Bradwardine of a poena satisfactoria, a penalty that atones for sin.^[2] It was also used of the redemptive work of Christ, as in Alexander of Hales' question whether Christ's suffering made satisfaction for every penalty.^[2] Thomas Aquinas uses it as a synonym of satisfactivus, in the phrases opus satisfactorium and oratio satisfactoria.^[3] English took it over in the sense “expiatory”.^[4]

Timeline

• c. 1225 – First recorded, according to Latham.^[1]
• before 1290 – An Oxford question speaks of a satisfactory reason in Christ answering to the offence.^[2]
• mid-15th century – Borrowed into English as satisfactory, meaning “expiatory, capable of atoning for sin”.^[4]

Meanings

Adjective

1. (Medieval Latin, theology) Serving to make satisfaction or atonement for an offence or sin.^[2][1][3]
2. (Medieval Latin, theology) Of the redemptive work of Christ.^[2]

Related words

• English satisfactory

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 d e f g 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 Schütz, Ludwig (1895), Thomas-Lexikon, 2nd ed., Paderborn: F. Schöningh
4. ^ a b Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com