precario Latin · revision 32747

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=c. 250–184 BC, Plautus|origins=ine-pro *preḱ-}}

+

+ ==Forms==

+ '''precāriō''' (not comparable); adverb^(OLD 2012)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[af|la|precārius|-ō|t1=obtained by entreaty]].^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010) De Vaan lists it under [[prex|alt=prex]], which he traces to [[itc-pro|*prek-]] and [[ine-pro|*preḱ-|t=question]], comparing [[sa|प्राश्|tr=prā́ś-|t=dispute, questioning]].^(de Vaan 2008)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ De Vaan dates it from Plautus,^(de Vaan 2008) in the prologue of whose ''Amphitruo'' the speaker has been told to ask the audience a favour gently and with kind words.^(OLD 2012)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ It is first like a suppliant, by entreaty.^(OLD 2012) It also means by request or as a favour, on sufferance: an inscription says that a private road may be used by permission.^(OLD 2012) From this comes the sense uncertainly, precariously: the elder Seneca says his memory now obeys him only precariously.^(OLD 2012) Köbler dates it from Tacitus and finds it in early medieval formularies.^(Köbler 2010)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * c. 250–184 BC – Plautus of asking a favour.^(OLD 2012)^(de Vaan 2008)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 98–115 AD – Tacitus.^(Köbler 2010)

+

+ ==Meanings==

+ ===Adverb===

+ # Like a [[m|en|suppliant]], by entreaty.^(OLD 2012)

+ # By request, as a favour, on [[m|en|sufferance]].^(OLD 2012)

+ # Uncertainly, [[m|en|precariously]].^(OLD 2012)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[precarius|alt=precārius]]

+ * [[precor]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}