Just to confirm that that use is not unique to the english language.
Eduardo

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Em 16/09/2012, às 03:02, Ken Friedman <[log in to unmask]> escreveu:

> Dear Francois,
> 
> You ask of the word function, “Could you please someone enlighten us on the origin and use of this unique (??) English meaning of the term ‘function’ ? Does it simply have to do with many members of a society getting together  (elements ‘assembled’, i.e. designed) to make an event (a non-material) artefact happen? Is this interpretation correct? Are there other nuances?”
> 
> This usage is common in the Anglophone world. It dates to the 1800s, deriving both from Italian and Spanish usages. The usage in Gavin’s post appears in the Oxford English Dictionary as “a public ceremony; a social or festive meeting conducted with form and ceremony.” We use it in Australia, as well. Australian English gives it a further spin, transforming the word into an adjective for restaurants and places that offer a “function room.” This is a place where one can hold a function — there are also businesses that specialize in functions.
> 
> If you review the development of the word “function” in the OED, you’ll see a plausible line of descent through related meanings that slowly diverge:
> 
> —snip—
> 
> function, n. Etymology: < Old French function (French fonction, compare Italian funzione, Spanish funcion), < Latin functiōn-em, n. of action < fungī (fungor) to perform.
> 
> †1. In etymological sense: The action of performing; discharge or performance of (something).
> 
> †2. Activity; action in general, whether physical or mental. Of a person: Bearing, gestures. Obs.
> 
> 3. The special kind of activity proper to anything; the mode of action by which it fulfils its purpose. Also in generalized application, esp. (Physiol.) as contrasted with structure. a. of a physical organ; in early use of animal organisms only; later of vegetable. Often preceded by some defining word, as animal, organic, vital, etc. b. of the intellectual and moral powers, etc. c. of things in general. d. Computing. Any of the basic operations in a computer, esp. one that corresponds to a single instruction. e. Grammar. See also function word n. at Compounds.
> 
> 4. a. The kind of action proper to a person as belonging to a particular class, esp. to the holder of any office; hence, the office itself, an employment, profession, calling, trade. †b. collect. The persons following a profession or trade; an order, class. Obs.
> 
> 5. a. A religious ceremony; orig. in the Roman Catholic Church. (Cf. Italian funzione.) b. [? after Spanish funcion : see quot. 1858.] A public ceremony; a social or festive meeting conducted with form and ceremony.
> 
> —snip—
> 
> 
> The key usages relevant to Gavin’s post follow. Quoted usage exemplars for 5a:
> 
> —snip—
> 
> 1640 in Trans. St. Paul’s Eccles. Soc.<file://localhost/javascript/void(0)> 1 46 Wee have had neyther prayers nor any other function her thes two yers.
> 
> 1670–98 S. Wilson Lassels’s Voy. Italy<file://localhost/javascript/void(0)> II. 33 A cross set with Diamonds and Pearls which the Pope wears at his breast in great functions.
> 
> 1741 C. Middleton Hist. Life Cicero<file://localhost/javascript/void(0)> I. vi. 416 The dedication was not performed with any of the solemn words and riteswhich such a function required.
> 
> 1789 H. L. Thrale Observ. Journey France<file://localhost/javascript/void(0)> I. 83 The Christmas functions here were showy.
> 
> 1818 H. V. Elliott Let. in Bateman Life<file://localhost/javascript/void(0)> (1870) iv. 70 These were the finest parts of the ‘Function’ as it is called.
> 
> 1854 Thackeray Newcomes<file://localhost/javascript/void(0)> I. xi. 112 The function over, one almost expects to see the sextons put brown Hollands over the pews.
> 
> 1868 R. Browning Ring & Bk.<file://localhost/javascript/void(0)> II. iv. 20 After function’s done with, down we go.
> 
> 1884 Sat. Rev.<file://localhost/javascript/void(0)> 7 June 745/2 On Wednesday and Thursday last week there were functions in two adjacent Cathedrals.
> 
> —snip—
> 
> Quoted usage exemplars for 5b:
> 
> —snip—
> 
> [1858 W. Stuart Let. in Hare Story Two Noble Lives<file://localhost/javascript/void(0)> (1893) II. 431, I hope that Char. s journal will have done justice to the Rajah of Mysore and his funcion along the road to receive her.]
> 
> 1864 C. Kingsley Roman & Teuton<file://localhost/javascript/void(0)> iv. 123 Then was held a grand function. Dietrich..had Italy ceded to him by a ‘Pragmatic’ sanction, and Zeno placed on his head the sacrum velamen, a square of purple.
> 
> 1878 W. Besant & J. Rice By Celia’s Arbour<file://localhost/javascript/void(0)> III. i. 4 There was a Function of some kind—a Launch—a Reception—a Royal Visit—going on in the Dockyard.
> 
> 1884 Manch. Examiner<file://localhost/javascript/void(0)> 11 Nov. 5/2 The American people are fond of functions.
> 
> 1894 G. du Maurier Trilby<file://localhost/javascript/void(0)> (1895) 333 A prandial function which did not promise to be very amusing.
> 
> —snip—
> 
> Hope this helps.
> 
> Ken
> 
> Professor Ken Friedman, PhD, DSc (hc), FDRS | University Distinguished Professor | Swinburne University of Technology | Melbourne, Australia | [log in to unmask] | Phone +61 3 9214 6102 | www.swinburne.edu.au/design
> 
> 
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