obtestor Latin · revision 31366

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=220–130 BC, Pacuvius|origins=ine-pro *trito-sth₂-o-}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * Classical: [ɔpˈtɛs.tɔr]^(Wiktionary)

+ * Ecclesiastical: [obˈtɛs.tor]^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Forms==

+ '''obtestor''' (present infinitive obtestārī, perfect active obtestātus sum); first conjugation, deponent^(Wiktionary)

+ It is also spelled ''optestor'', and an active ''obtestō'' occurs.^(OLD 2012)^(TLL)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed from [[m|la|ob-|t=before, towards]] and [[m|la|testor|t=to bear witness]].^(OLD 2012)^(TLL) ⟨testor⟩ is made from [[m|la|testis|t=witness]], which de Vaan derives from [[itc-pro|*tri-sto/i-]] and [[ine-pro|*trito-sth₂-o-|t=standing by as third]], the witness being the third party.^(de Vaan 2008) Cognate with [[osc|trstus|t=witnesses]].^(de Vaan 2008)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Pacuvius has “I beseech you, come quickly to the aid of the holy censor!”.^(OLD 2012)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ It is to call on someone or something as witness, as Brutus' appeal to their close ties and to Cicero's goodwill, and to call on someone's aid, to beseech or implore.^(OLD 2012)^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(Wiktionary) It is also to declare solemnly or on oath, as the orator Mancinus' “I saw Gnaeus Carbo declaring that he had been murdered by you”, and, of the future, to vow;^(OLD 2012)^(Lewis & Short 1879) Apuleius uses it as “to attest”.^(OLD 2012)^(Lewis & Short 1879)

+

+ Church Latin glosses it “entreat, implore; adjure, call to witness”.^(Stelten 1995)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 220–130 BC – Pacuvius of a plea for help.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 81–43 BC – Brutus' letter to Cicero.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * c. 125–175 AD – Apuleius of prayers that attest a bond.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+

+ ==Meanings==

+ ===Verb===

+ # To call to [[m|en|witness|alt=witness]], invoke.^(OLD 2012)^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(Wiktionary)^(Stelten 1995)

+ # To [[m|en|beseech]], [[m|en|implore]].^(OLD 2012)^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(Wiktionary)^(Stelten 1995)

+ # To declare solemnly, assert on oath; to vow; to attest.^(OLD 2012)^(Lewis & Short 1879)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[obtestātiō]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[testor]]

+ * [[testis]]

+ * [[obsecrō]]

+ * [[contestor]]

+ * [[dētestor]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}