A Dictionary of the First or Oldest Words in the English Language / From the Semi-Saxon Period of A.D. 1250 to 1300

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

41975

Title

A Dictionary of the First or Oldest Words in the English Language / From the Semi-Saxon Period of A.D. 1250 to 1300

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Herbert Coleridge's seminal work serves as the foundational inventory for the Philological Society's historical English dictionary. Focusing on the Semi-Saxon period (1250–1300), it meticulously catalogs every word found in 13th-century printed literature. The text offers essential etymological insights and obsolete forms, bridging the gap between Old English and modern usage for scholars and philologists.

Summary up to 500 words

Herbert Coleridge's *A Dictionary of the First, or Oldest Words in the English Language* stands as a foundational text for the historical study of English, specifically covering the pivotal era from 1250 to 1300. Authored by the Secretary to the Philological Society, the work serves as the essential 'foundation-stone' for a proposed comprehensive historical dictionary. Coleridge argues that a mere index of words is insufficient; instead, he enriches the inventory with explanatory and etymological matter to enhance its utility for scholars. The volume provides an alphabetical inventory of every word discovered in the printed English literature of the 13th century, arranging entries under their modern forms where possible while noting older variants and obsolete terms in a dedicated Glossary with cross-references. The project was necessitated by the need to establish a common standard for independent collectors of raw linguistic material. To achieve this, Coleridge compiled a rigorous 'List of Books and Editions Referred To,' citing specific manuscripts and printed works such as *Havelok the Dane*, *Geste of Kyng Horn*, and *Kyng Alysaunder*. The dictionary utilizes a precise system of abbreviations to reference these sources by verse, page, or stanza, acknowledging the indispensable assistance of colleagues like Hensleigh Wedgwood, F. J. Furnivall, and Sir F. Madden, whose editions of *Laȝamon* and *Havelok* were critical to the compilation. Coleridge candidly addresses the limitations of the work, admitting that due to a long period of ill health during the laborious compilation, some omissions and errors may exist. He invites readers to communicate addenda for future inclusion, ensuring the work remains a living resource for understanding linguistic evolution. Ultimately, this volume preserves the vocabulary of a pivotal era with scholarly precision, offering a critical resource for tracing the development of English from the mid-13th century. It bridges the gap between Semi-Saxon and later English, providing a detailed record of the language's state during a time of significant transition.

LLM editorial rating

4.5/5

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Categories

• Classics
• Reference