The Etymologies of Isidore of Seville - Pot-pourri

1. People are for the most part unaware of the origin of
certain terms. Consequently we have included a number
in this work for their informational value.
Certain terms for human beings (De quibusdam
vocabulis hominum) 1 Although the origin of terms,
whence they come, has received some accounting by
philosophers – such that by derivation ‘human being’
(homo) is so called from ‘humanity’ (humanitas),
or ‘wise person’ (sapiens) from‘wisdom’(sapientia),
because wisdom comes first, then the wise person – nevertheless
a different, special cause is manifest in the origin
of certain terms, such as homo from ‘soil’ (humus),
from which the word homo properly is so called. From
such derivations, as examples, we have set forth a number
in this work.
A. 2. Aeros (i.e. heros, “demi-god, hero”), a strong and
wise man. Author (auctor), so called from ‘augmenting’
(augere); moreover, auctor cannot be used in the
feminine gender – for there are some terms that cannot
be inflected in the feminine, such as ‘runner’ (cursor).
Agent (actor), from acting (agere). 3. Foster-son (alumnus),
so called from fostering (alere), although both
he who fosters and he who is fostered can be called
alumnus –thatis,hewhonourishes and he who is
1 Indeed the vocabulary treated in this book specifically comprises
nouns and substantive adjectives used for human beings. To
arrange a large body of information in alphabetical order was still
rare in Isidore’s time, although Pliny and others had used alphabetical
order for short lists of things, and at least a couple of Latin authors
used the alphabet to organize larger lexicographical works (the lost
lexicon of Verrius Flaccus of the first century ce, the lexicographical
part of Nonius Marcellus’s encyclopedia of the fourth century). See
Daly (1967), pages 50–59.Some early manuscripts reflect the novelty
of the scheme with titles referring to the alphabetical organization.
Latin freely uses adjectives as substantives, so that argutus can mean
“smart” or “a smart person.” While for the most part the substantive
use can be presumed in Book X, we here generally and somewhat
elliptically translate such terms as adjectives, trusting that the substantive
use will be understood. Many of the words are present and
perfect participles; we supply their infinitive forms only when they
are not obvious.
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Book X
Vocabulary (De vocabulis)
nourished – but still, the better use is for one who is
nourished. 4. Friend(amicus), by derivation as if from
the phrase ‘guardian of the spirit’ (animi custos). 5.And
amicus is appropriately derived; the term for someone
tormentedbycarnal desire is amator turpitudinis (“lover
of wickedness”), but amicus is from ‘hook’ (hamus), that
is, from the chain of charity, whence also hooks are things
that hold. Lovable (amabilis), too, because one is worthy
of love (amor).Alover(amasius), because he is prone to
love (amor). 6.Clever(astutus)issocalledfromtheword
‘cleverness’ (astus), which is the term for a shrewd and
wary person who can do something forcefully without
danger. Smart (argutus), because one quickly comes up
with an argument (argumentum)while speaking. Acute
(acer), in every manner lively and forceful. Swift (alacer),
with regard to speed and running, as if one would say
‘winged’ (aliger). ‘Bearing arms’ (armiger), because he
‘bears arms’ (arma gerere). Happy (alacris), “joyful”;
cheerful (alacer), lively and disturbed by no surprising
events. Agile (agilis), from doing (agere) something
quickly, like docilis (“easily taught’).
7. Rivalling (aemulus), striving for the same thing as
an imitator (imitator)andlover(amabilis)ofit; at other
times it comes to mean “inimical.” Fair (aequus), meaning
“naturally just,” from ‘equity’ (aequitas), that is, after
the idea of what is equal (aequus) –whencelikewise
‘equity’ is so called after a certain equalness (aequalitate).
Aequaevus refers to what is of an equal age (aequale
aevum)withanother thing, that is, coeval (coaetaneus).
Arrogant (arrogans), because much is demanded (rogare),
and such a person is disdainful. Presumptuous
(audax)may properly be substituted for arrogans. Spirited
(animosus), because one is full of spirit (animus)
and drive. Stouthearted (animatus), as if ‘endowed with
vigor’ (animo auctus), firm in spirit. 8. Puffedup(aelatus,i.e.
elatus,ppl. of efferre), because one exalts (elevare)
himself beyond his proper measure when he seems to
himself a great person for what he accomplishes. Selfaggrandizing
(attollens), because one exalts and elevates
himself. Ambitious (ambitiosus), because one solicits