valisia
Forms
valisia f (genitive valisiae); first declension; also valisium n[1] The spellings valesium and balesium appear in English records of 1397–1413.[1]
Etymology
The origin is uncertain.[1][2] The DMLBS compares French valise and, with a query, bala and Old French bale;[1] Du Cange equates it with Italian valigia and the French word.[3] Etymonline takes the English word valise from French, from the Italian word, itself of uncertain origin, and gives valixia (late 13th century) as an older Medieval Latin form.[2]
Earliest recorded meaning
The older form valixia is recorded from the late 13th century.[2] The DMLBS has it first in 1397, when someone is to be let through without the opening of their letters, bags and travelling cases.[1]
Semantic evolution
It named a travelling bag, case or trunk,[1] or a saddlebag.[3] English records list it beside coffers, bundles and other baggage,[1] and a letter of Pope Gregory XII of 1407 names valisiae together with ships and goods.[3]
Timeline
- late 13th century – The Medieval Latin form valixia is recorded.[2]
- 1397 – An English record has the spelling balesium in a list of a traveller's bags.[1]
- 1404 – An English close roll lets someone pass with bags, valesia, coffers and bundles.[1]
- 1407 – A letter of Pope Gregory XII uses it.[3]
- 1610s – English borrows valise from French.[2]
Meanings
Noun
Related words
- English valise
References
- ^ 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
- ^ a b c d e Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
- ^ a b c d e du Cange, Charles du Fresne, et al. (1883–1887), Glossarium mediae et infimae latinitatis, augmented ed. by Léopold Favre, Niort: L. Favre