Description

I’ve found the use of this Latin dictionary very useful.  Those familiar with the Oxford English Dictionary and its etymological references will find this dictionary equally useful.  (e.g. As a former law student, I’ve used it in creative bluffing gambits with judges and attorneys… by correctly quoting maxims of law IN Latin AND knowing their etymological roots.)PDF – 1968 edition – 2151 pages    The Oxford Latin Dictionary (or OLD) is the standard lexicon of Classical Latin. The first Latin-English dictionary based on a fresh reading of original sources.
    The O.L.D. is a comprehensive and authoritative reference work for students, teachers, professionals, and general readers interested in classical languages and literature, ancient history, medieval studies, languages, art history, ancient philosophy, religion, archaeology, law, medicine, and natural science.Features of the Oxford Latin Dictionary· First Latin-English dictionary composed directly from original sources· Comprehensive coverage of classical Latin with entries for approximately 40,000 words· Based on a collection of over one million quotations that illustrate the meaning and use of Latin words from the earliest known instance· Definitions are in modern English and based on modern lexicographical principles· Up-to-date with the inclusion of better texts as well as epigraphical material that was previously unavailable Comparison with other dictionaries    The OLD replaces Lewis and Short’s dictionary from 1879. However, whereas L&S included late and ecclesiastical Latin, the OLD covers only Latin literature until AD 200. Still, OLD is a far more reliable dictionary than L&S, since it is based on a whole new reading of the literature, whereas L&S incorporates much material from older dictionaries.The Thesaurus Linguae Latinae is far more ambitious than the OLD, but after 100 years only two thirds of this comprehensive dictionary has been published.Review:    An improvement on Lewis and Short in that it uses modern lexicographical principles. Meanings and senses are better distinguished. Notes on etymology and word formation are included. As a whole, the work is much easier to read.    Those who have used Lewis and Short for a long time will of course find it difficult to give up their longtime companion. However, those who take the time to acquaint themselves with the first major attempt to improve on the nineteenth century classic, should find the OLD to be a more thorough and accessible guide to Latin of the ‘Golden’ and ‘Silver’ ages.