transtrum

Pronunciation

• IPA (Classical): [ˈtrãː.strũː]^[1]
• IPA (Ecclesiastical): [ˈtran.strum]^[1]

Forms

trānstrum n (genitive trānstrī); second declension^[1]

Etymology

It is from trāns “across” with the instrumental suffix -trum.^[2][1][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

Köbler's earliest source is Cicero, whom he dates 81–43 BC.^[4]

Semantic evolution

It was a crossbeam laid across a structure, a transom, as in Vitruvius, and especially a thwart, a rowers' bench across a boat, as in Cicero, Caesar and Virgil.^[2][5]

British Medieval Latin used it for a crossbeam and for part of a necklace or brooch.^[6] It survives in Italian trasto and Spanish trasto.^[1] English transom (mid-14th century, a crossbeam over an opening) is probably from it.^[3]

Timeline

• 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it.^[4]
• c. 84–c. 25 BC – Vitruvius uses it of a crossbeam.^[5][4]
• mid-14th century – English transom is recorded.^[3]

Meanings

Noun

1. A crossbeam, transom.^[2]
2. A rower's bench, thwart.^[5]

Word family

• trānstillum

Related words

• trāns
• English transom

References

1. ^ a b c d e Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
3. ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
4. ^ a b c Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
5. ^ a b c Lewis, Charlton T.; Short, Charles (1879), A Latin Dictionary, Oxford: Clarendon Press
6. ^ 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