Date
Meaning & History
Most likely derived from the Greek noun νόμος (nomos) meaning "usage, custom, law, ordinance" (also see EUNOMIA). However, a derivation from the Greek noun νομός (nomos) meaning "place of pasturage" as well as "dwelling place" is also quite possible. The latter possibility is closely related to the Greek verb νομεύω (nomeuo) meaning "to put to graze, to drive afield" and the Greek noun νομεύς (nomeus) meaning "herdsman, shepherd". Also compare the English word nomad. In Greek mythology, Nomion was the name of several characters, one of them being a horned centaur.