Advertisement
Advertisement
praenomen
[ pree-noh-muhn ]
noun
- the first or personal name of a Roman citizen, as “Gaius” in “Gaius Julius Caesar.”
Derived Forms
- praenominal, adjective
- praeˈnominally, adverb
Other Words From
- prae·nom·i·nal [pree-, nom, -, uh, -nl], adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of praenomen1
Word History and Origins
Origin of praenomen1
Example Sentences
As an abbreviation it is used in Latin for the praenomen Decimus, and under the empire for the title Divus of certain deceased emperors.
The much less important, but still more disputed question as to his 'praenomen,' appears now to be conclusively settled, in accordance with the evidence of Jerome and Apuleius, in favour of Gaius, and against Quintus.
Finally it is of considerable historical importance to observe that a great mass of the praenomina used for this purpose are clearly of Italic origin, e.g.
But the praenomen Q. is omitted in the best MSS., and in other passages of the same author the poet is spoken of as “Catullus Veronensis.”
Augustus made a two-fold use of the term; as a permanent praenomen, and as a title of honor assumed upon the occasion of victories won by his officers.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse