simenellus

Forms

simenellus m (genitive simenellī); second declension; also neuter simenellum^[1] The quotations also spell it symnellus and simnellus.^[1]

Etymology

It is borrowed from Anglo-Norman simenel,^[1] which Etymonline takes to come, probably by dissimilation, from Vulgar Latin *siminellus, a diminutive of Latin simila (“fine flour”).^[2] Du Cange likewise derives it from simila.^[3]

Earliest recorded meaning

The earliest dated record in the DMLBS is a Scottish assize of bread from before 1153, where it means fine wheat flour.^[1]

Semantic evolution

Besides the flour, it named the loaf or bun made of it, the English simnel: a Hereford charter of about 1174 orders simnelli to be made for the canons on a saint's feast.^[1] Du Cange quotes the chronicle of Battle Abbey, where bread fit for the king's table is called simenel in the common speech.^[3] English has the word as simnel from about 1200.^[2]

Timeline

• before 1153 – A Scottish assize of bread uses it for fine flour.^[1]
• c. 1174 – A Hereford charter uses it for loaves made for the canons.^[1]
• c. 1200 – English has simnel, from Old French.^[2]
• 1267? – An English assize compares the weight of bread made of simenellum with other loaves.^[1]

Meanings

Noun

1. Fine wheat flour, white flour.^[1]
2. A loaf or bun of fine white flour, a simnel.^[1][3]

Related words

• simila
• English simnel

References

1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j 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 Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
3. ^ 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