obtestatio Latin · revision 35946

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=81–43 BC, Cicero|origins=la testis}}

+

+ ==Forms==

+ '''obtestātiō''' ''f'' (genitive obtestātiōnis); third declension^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[af|la|obtestor|-tiō|t1=to call to witness, implore]].^(OLD 2012)^(TLL)^(Wiktionary)^(Bianchi & Lelli 2014) The verb is a compound of [[m|la|ob-]] and [[m|la|testor]], which can be derived directly from [[m|la|testis|t=witness]];^(de Vaan 2008) de Vaan explains the noun as “the third standing by”, from [[itc-pro|*tri-sto/i-]].^(de Vaan 2008)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Its earliest uses are in Cicero, who in the speech for Balbus speaks of laws made binding by a solemn invocation and consecration.^(OLD 2012)^(Conte 2010)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Festus defines it as calling a god to witness for good, as opposed to ''dētestātiō'', for ill.^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(TLL) It meant a solemn oath or invocation, as in Livy's “they drew up an oath”,^(OLD 2012)^(Conte 2010) and then an earnest entreaty or appeal: Cicero speaks of a husband's appeal in the ''Pro Cluentio'', and Nepos, Livy and Tacitus use it of supplications, Tacitus of the senate stooping to the most abject entreaties.^(OLD 2012)^(Georges 1913)^(Conte 2010)

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+ In British medieval sources it is an invocation of the divine name, a solemn charge with a warning or threat, and a warning.^(DMLBS)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of a solemn invocation and of an earnest appeal.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * c. 100–24 BC – Nepos uses it of entreaty.^(Georges 1913)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 59 BC–17 AD – Livy uses it of an oath and of supplications.^(Conte 2010)^(Georges 1913)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 98–115 AD – Tacitus speaks of abject entreaties.^(Conte 2010)^(Köbler 2010)

+

+ ==Meanings==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A calling to witness, solemn [[m|en|invocation]]; an [[m|en|oath]].^(OLD 2012)^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(Conte 2010)

+ # An earnest [[m|en|entreaty]], solemn appeal, [[m|en|adjuration]].^(OLD 2012)^(Wiktionary)

+ # ''(Medieval Latin)'' A solemn charge carrying a warning or threat; a warning.^(DMLBS)

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+ ==Usage notes==

+ Festus contrasts it with [[detestatio|alt=dētestātiō]], in which a god is called to witness for harm.^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(TLL)

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+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}