Etymograph

English

gnathonic

Gnathonic comes from Medieval Latin Gnathōnicus.

  1. Medieval Latinc. 600–1500Gnathōnicus
  2. Englishearliest quotation 1855gnathonic

attested reconstructed ? uncertain or disputed

Lineage

  1. Medieval Latinc. 600–1500Gnathōnicus
  2. Englishearliest quotation 1855gnathonic

Earliest quotation: 1855, Charles Kingsley, The True and Tragical History of Mr. John Oxenham of Plymout: “That Jack's is somewhat of a gnathonic and parasitic…”

The story

Gnathō is from Ancient Greek γνάθος (gnáthos, “jaw”), used in the genitive γνάθου (gnáthou, “of a jaw”) to mean “greedy”; hence, a parasite in general.

Every English word from Medieval Latin Gnathōnicus

Today it means

adj Deceitful and flattering; toadying.

Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.

Etymograph / Medieval Latin Gnathōnicus / gnathonic

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