sophisticatio

Forms

sophisticātio f (genitive sophisticātiōnis); third declension^[1]

Etymology

It is formed from Latin sophisticō + -tiō.^[2][1] The verb comes from sophisticus (“of sophists”), from Ancient Greek σοφιστικός (sophistikós).^[3][1]

Earliest recorded meaning

Köbler dates its first record in British medieval Latin to before 1250.^[1]

Semantic evolution

In medieval Latin it meant specious argument and, in logic, a sophism or the puzzling quality of one.^[2] It also meant a trick or deception, and the faking or adulteration of goods: a medical writer warns of the danger of drugs that have been adulterated.^[2] Du Cange quotes the statutes of Marseille against any sophisticatio of goods.^[4] Neo-Latin authors such as Bullinger and Kepler used it for hair-splitting argument.^[5] English took it over in the early 15th century as sophisticacioun.^[3]

Timeline

• before 1250 – British medieval Latin records it.^[1]
• early 15th century – English borrows it as sophisticacioun.^[3]

Meanings

Noun

1. (Medieval Latin) Specious argument, sophistry.^[2]
2. (Medieval Latin, logic) A sophism; the ambiguous or puzzling quality of a sophism.^[2]
3. (Medieval Latin) A trick, deception.^[2]
4. (Medieval Latin) adulteration, counterfeiting, faking.^[2][4][1]
5. (New Latin) Hair-splitting, quibbling.^[5]

References

1. ^ a b c d e f 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 c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
4. ^ a b du Cange, Charles du Fresne, et al. (1883–1887), Glossarium mediae et infimae latinitatis, augmented ed. by Léopold Favre, Niort: L. Favre
5. ^ a b Ramminger, Johann, Neulateinische Wortliste: Ein Wörterbuch des Lateinischen von Petrarca bis 1700, www.neulatein.de