English
gyrovague
Gyrovague comes from Medieval Latin gȳrovagus ‘wandering aimlessly’.
- Medieval Latinc. 600–1500gȳrovagus‘wandering aimlessly’
- Frenchc. 1600–presentgyrovague
- Englishtodaysame form
attested reconstructed ? uncertain or disputed
Lineage
- Medieval Latinc. 600–1500gȳrovagus‘wandering aimlessly’
- Frenchc. 1600–presentgyrovague
- Englishtodaysame form
The story
Early 19th century, borrowed from French gyrovague, from Medieval Latin gȳrovagus (‘wandering aimlessly’).
Every English word from Medieval Latin gȳrovagus
Today it means
noun A wandering monk having no fixed monastery, as exemplified in the Rule of St. Benedict.
Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.
Etymograph / Medieval Latin gȳrovagus / gyrovague