Etymologically
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vernix

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Pronunciation

  • Classical: [ˈwɛr.niːks][1]
  • Ecclesiastical: [ˈvɛr.niks][1]

Forms

vernīx m (genitive vernīcis); third declension[1]

Etymology

The origin is uncertain.[2][3] It may be borrowed from Byzantine Greek Βερενίκη (Bereníkē),[1] which Etymonline traces to the name of the ancient city of Berenike in Libya, said to have been the first to use varnish.[3] The DMLBS sets it beside Anglo-Norman vernis.[4] In the 16th century Conrad Gesner held the reverse, that Byzantine Greek βερονίκη (beroníkē, “amber”) came from the Latin word, which he took to be Germanic.[5]

Earliest recorded meaning

The earliest dated record is from 1291, in a British account that lists white lead and azure;[4] Köbler dates it to 1296.[2]

Semantic evolution

It named a resin, above all that of the juniper, and the varnish made from it: painters added it to make colours stick better.[4] Chauliac, in his surgery, describes it as a warm, dry gum that makes new flesh grow and cleanses.[5]

Through Old French vernis it reached English as varnish in the 14th century.[3][1]

Timeline

  • 1291 – It appears in a list of painting materials.[4]
  • 1296 – Köbler's first record of the word.[2]
  • mid-14th century – English borrows it, through Old French, as varnish.[3]
  • 1565 – Conrad Gesner discusses the word in a medical letter.[5]

Meanings

Noun

  1. (Medieval Latin) resin, especially of juniper.[4][5][1]
  2. (Medieval Latin) varnish.[4][6][1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  3. ^ a b c d Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  4. ^ a b c d e f 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
  5. ^ a b c d Ramminger, Johann, Neulateinische Wortliste: Ein Wörterbuch des Lateinischen von Petrarca bis 1700, www.neulatein.de
  6. ^ du Cange, Charles du Fresne, et al. (1883–1887), Glossarium mediae et infimae latinitatis, augmented ed. by Léopold Favre, Niort: L. Favre