capistrum Latin · revision 35822

+ {{infobox|confidence=probable|formation=derivation|attested=234–149 BC, Cato|origins=la capiō}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * Classical: [kaˈpɪs.trũː]^(Wiktionary)

+ * Ecclesiastical: [kaˈpis.trum]^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Forms==

+ '''capistrum''' ''n'' (genitive capistrī); second declension^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ The OLD regards it as probably [[af|la|capiō|-trum|t1=to take, seize]], and Wiktionary derives it in the same way.^(OLD 2012)^(Wiktionary) The TLL calls the origin uncertain.^(TLL) Isidore of Seville explained it from the head ([[m|la|caput]]) of beasts of burden.^(TLL)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Its first known use is in Cato's ''De agricultura'', in a list of the gear needed for a pressing room, where it means a band or fastening.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Varro uses it of the halters that keep young animals tied, and Virgil and Ovid of halters and headstalls generally; it was a leather muzzle or headstall for horses, mules and other animals.^(OLD 2012)^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(Georges 1913) Juvenal speaks figuratively of the marriage halter.^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(Georges 1913) Columella uses it for a band that ties up vines.^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(Gaffiot 2016)

+

+ In medieval law codes, such as the Lombard laws and the Bavarian law, it is the halter of a horse, and it was also a bandage for the nose or head in medicine.^(MLW)^(Köbler 2010) The TLL lists Romance descendants such as [[it|capestro]] and [[es|cabestro]].^(TLL)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 234–149 BC – Cato lists it among the gear of a pressing room.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 116–27 BC – Varro uses it of halters for young animals.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 70–19 BC – Virgil mentions halters.^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * c. 67–c. 127 AD – Juvenal speaks of the marriage halter.^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(Köbler 2010)

+

+ ==Meanings==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A [[m|en|halter]] or headstall, a leather [[m|en|muzzle]] (for horses and other animals).^(OLD 2012)^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(Georges 1913)

+ # ''(figurative)'' A restraint: ''marītāle capistrum'', the marriage halter.^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(Georges 1913)

+ # A similar band or fastening for other purposes, as in a wine press or for tying vines.^(OLD 2012)^(Gaffiot 2016)

+ # ''(Medieval Latin, medicine)'' A [[m|en|bandage]] for the nose or head.^(MLW)

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}