*** Reply to message from Hideaki Inui, 28 Dec 04 (20:51), about:
*** Re: reading Latin.
Dear List,
> >
> >> To all
> >> Could you please tell me the meaning of under-written Latin?
> >> Trers electct per a sequener Arthur Rodford Ar
> >> Noia Constabular
> >> Jur Thomas Chount --- Const Librit de Halestocke
***** After the useful comments of DAP and GMcS, I thought I might
contribute my 2 penn'orth. The words look to be heavily abbreviated
to me. (DAP has expanded some of the possible abbreviations.) Could
Hideaki possibly indicate how the letters are actually written down?
Some of the letters may be written as superscripts, indicating an
abbreviation. (Possible example: "Noia", which DAP has expanded to
"Nomina", might be written with the N and O in ordinary lettering,
followed by I and A in superscript.) There might also be some other
indication of abbreviation (e.g. a full stop ["."] or a colon [":"]).
I suggest "Arthur Rodford Ar" means "Arthur Rodford, Armiger". I
have to confess that I am not certain of the precise significance of
"Armiger". Its literal meaning is "arms-bearer" (I think), and I
feel moderately confident that that means "Gentleman", rather than
"Knight". (I think a Knight would be referred to as "Miles" -- the
Latin word for soldier -- rather than just "Armiger". Comments from
other list-members would be welcome.) Anyway, he would be a superior
person (a JP?) and not just one of your common constables.
Does that help?
Season's greetings to everybody (do you celebrate New Year in
Japan?).
Roger Fern.
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Roger Fern, Newcastle upon Tyne.
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