cardinal etymology

Etymology:

The word "cardinal" comes from the Latin word "cardinalis," meaning "chief" or "principal."

Meaning:

  • In the Catholic Church, a cardinal is a high-ranking member of the clergy, typically a bishop, who advises the Pope and participates in the election of a new Pope.
  • More generally, "cardinal" refers to something that is fundamental, essential, or of the highest importance.

Origin:

The Latin word "cardinalis" itself is derived from the word "cardo," meaning "hinge" or "pivot." This usage relates to the role of a cardinal as a principal or central figure in the Church, similar to how a hinge connects two parts of a door.

Over time, the term "cardinal" came to be used specifically for the high-ranking clergy in the Catholic Church during the 11th and 12th centuries. Prior to that, the term was used more broadly to refer to any priest who held an important position.

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