maledictum Latin · revision 8089

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=Cicero|origins=la dīcō}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA (Classical): [ma.ɫɛˈdɪk.tũː]^(Wiktionary)

+ * IPA (Ecclesiastical): [ma.leˈdik.tum]^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Forms==

+ '''maledictum''' ''n'' (genitive maledictī); second declension^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is the neuter participle of [[maledīcō]] “to speak ill of”, from [[male]] “badly” and [[dīcō]] “to say”, used as a noun.^(OLD 2012)^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Köbler's first source is Cicero, whom he dates 81–43 BC.^(Köbler 2010)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ It meant an insult, a reproach, a taunt.^(OLD 2012) Döderlein explains that ''maledictum'' is any injurious utterance, whether a curse to bring ill luck or an insult to bring disgrace, while ''probrum'' is a reproach that charges someone with a shameful act.^(Döderlein 1874)

+

+ Medieval Latin used it for a condemnation.^(Niermeyer 1976) Its noun ''maledictiō'' gave [[en|malediction]] in the mid-15th century, a curse.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of insults.^(Köbler 2010)

+ * mid-15th century – English ''malediction'' is recorded.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Meanings==

+ ===Noun===

+ # An [[m|en|insult]], reproach, [[m|en|taunt]].^(OLD 2012)

+ # ''(Medieval Latin)'' A condemnation.^(Niermeyer 1976)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[maledīcō]]

+ * [[en|malediction]]

+

+ ==Usage notes==

+ Döderlein distinguishes it from [[probrum]] and [[convīcium]].^(Döderlein 1874)

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}