pernix Latin · revision 6444

+ {{infobox|confidence=probable|formation=derivation|attested=Plautus|origins=la perna}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA (Classical): [ˈpɛr.niːks]^(Wiktionary)

+ * IPA (Ecclesiastical): [ˈpɛr.niks]^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Forms==

+ '''pernīx''' (genitive pernīcis, comparative pernīcior, superlative pernīcissimus, adverb pernīciter); third-declension one-termination adjective^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is probably from [[perna]] “haunch, ham” with the suffix -ix, compare ⟨-āx⟩ and ⟨-ōx⟩: quick on one's legs.^(OLD 2012)^(Wiktionary)^(Köbler 2010) Wiktionary notes that the expected form would be *pernāx.^(Wiktionary) Lewis and Short's derivation from [[nītor]] “to press on” is outdated.^(Lewis & Short 1879)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Köbler's first source is Plautus, whose character says he is quick on his feet.^(Köbler 2010)^(Gaffiot 2016) Köbler dates Plautus c. 250–184 BC.^(Köbler 2010)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ It meant travelling quickly, swift, agile, nimble, as Virgil's swift feet, and of events speedy, as in Accius.^(OLD 2012)^(Gaffiot 2016) Döderlein says [[citus]] and [[celer]] are swiftness as quick motion, [[vēlōx]] and ''pernīx'' as nimbleness.^(Döderlein 1874)

+

+ In Medieval Latin it meant quick, swift, and of a letter sent urgently.^(DMLBS)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * c. 250–184 BC – Plautus uses it of being quick on one's feet.^(Gaffiot 2016)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 170–c. 90 BC – Accius uses it of speedy events.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 70–19 BC – Virgil uses it of swift feet.^(Gaffiot 2016)^(Köbler 2010)

+

+ ==Meanings==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # [[m|en|Swift]], nimble, [[m|en|agile]].^(OLD 2012)

+ # Speedy.^(OLD 2012)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[perniciēs]]

+ * [[pernīcitās]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[pernīciter]]

+ * [[perna]]

+ * [[celer]]

+ * [[vēlōx]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}