medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
> The Oxford English Dictionary is considered
> authoritative on history and usage in English-
> speaking countries. It gives "persona" as simply
> the Latin word for person, carried over into English
> in such phrases as persona grata and persona non
> grata.
<snip>
The OED is indeed authoritative in matters of English language history
and usage, but I would not give it as much authority in matters of
latinity, nor do I think the editors of the OED would claim such
themselves. The concept of "persona" in Latin is difficult and
sometimes I am not sure even that the medieval auctoritates knew exactly
and clearly what meaning(s) of "persona" they had in mind when they
wrote. It is not necessarily the case that all the nuances of Lat.
"persona" migrated into English usage.
Also, although Otfried will speak for himself, I am certain he was not
claiming that the word "persona" was limited to a legal meaning, even in
German-speaking countries.
Best wishes,
MW
Mark F. Williams
Dept. of Classics
Calvin College
Grand Rapids, MI
USA 49546
"Keep your stick on the ice."
-Red Green
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