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ArchivesRe: Another question for Latin experts: MARCEL
in reply to a message by Andy
Marcere meant to droop like a faded flower when I did Latin! I suppose you might stretch that to: "to be crushed", but it's a big stretch and not one that I'd undertake.
As far as I know, there's no connection between the god Mars and hammering. The god Vulcan, yes, but Mars had other activities to keep him busy. I'd stick to the old explanation - a simple diminutive, Little Marcus.
As far as I know, there's no connection between the god Mars and hammering. The god Vulcan, yes, but Mars had other activities to keep him busy. I'd stick to the old explanation - a simple diminutive, Little Marcus.
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Hi, Anneza!
I'm not sure whether "marcere" has anything to do with it. But going by its etymology it might well mean "to be crushed" (this is at least what my dictionary says: Menge/Güthling; with U umlaut).
I've also tried to find out whether there is any connection between Mars and the hammer, but obviously there isn't.
I have also followed the trace of "Karl Martell" (Charles Martell) which definetely means "hammer" and which also reminds me a lot of Mars/Martis. But again there seemed to be no connection. So let's call it incidence.
Unfortunately the authors of my ditionary (which in other cases has proved quite reliable) are long dead so I can't ask them. So I'll try one more thing: find someone who has access to a really big Latin dictionary. And if this fails I'll just leave it alone and stick to Mars.
Thanks for your help!
Andy ;—)
I'm not sure whether "marcere" has anything to do with it. But going by its etymology it might well mean "to be crushed" (this is at least what my dictionary says: Menge/Güthling; with U umlaut).
I've also tried to find out whether there is any connection between Mars and the hammer, but obviously there isn't.
I have also followed the trace of "Karl Martell" (Charles Martell) which definetely means "hammer" and which also reminds me a lot of Mars/Martis. But again there seemed to be no connection. So let's call it incidence.
Unfortunately the authors of my ditionary (which in other cases has proved quite reliable) are long dead so I can't ask them. So I'll try one more thing: find someone who has access to a really big Latin dictionary. And if this fails I'll just leave it alone and stick to Mars.
Thanks for your help!
Andy ;—)
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