gild etymology

Etymology and Meaning of "Gild"

Etymology:

The word "gild" has a complex etymological history, with roots in several Germanic and Proto-Indo-European languages:

• Proto-Germanic: gulþ-, meaning "payment" or "tribute"
• Old English: gild, meaning "payment," "tax," or "association"
• Old Norse: gildi, meaning "feast," "sacrifice," or "association"
• Proto-Indo-European: gʰeldh-, meaning "to pay" or "to owe"

Meaning:

Today, "gild" has several related meanings:

• To gild: To cover or decorate with a thin layer of gold or gold-colored material.
• Gold leaf: A thin sheet of gold used for gilding.
• A group or association: A formal or informal organization of people who share common interests or goals.

Origin and Historical Development

The concept of a gild, as an association of people, originated in medieval Europe. In the Anglo-Saxon period, religious guilds were formed for devotional and charitable purposes. These guilds were often associated with particular churches or saints.

Over time, secular guilds emerged, which were trade associations that represented and protected the interests of specific crafts or professions. These guilds provided members with financial support, legal representation, and social networking opportunities.

The term "gild" was also used to describe a form of taxation or tribute paid to a ruler or lord. This practice was common in the Middle Ages, and it ensured that the nobility had sufficient funds for their governance and military campaigns.

In modern usage, the term "gild" is often used to refer to exclusive or prestigious organizations, such as professional societies or business clubs. These groups typically have a selective membership process and may offer benefits such as networking opportunities, career advancement, and access to exclusive events.

gild relate terms

• gilded

  Etymology The word gilded comes from the Old English gyldan meaning to cover or ov

• gild

  Etymology and Meaning of Gild Etymology The word gild has a complex etymological hi

• gilt

  Etymology Old English gyltan to pay acquit Old High German gelten to pay be wo

• gilding

  Etymology Old English gyldan to gild cover with gold Proto Germanic gulþijaną

• gild

  Etymology and Meaning of Gild Etymology The word gild has a complex etymological hi

• gold

  Etymology The word gold derives from the Old English word gold which is itself deriv

• club

  Etymology The word club comes from the Old English word clubbe which originally ref

• society

  Etymology The word society comes from the Latin word societas which means associat

• dorado

  Etymology Spanish meaning golden Meaning Fish with a golden coloration Origin

• eldorado

  Etymology El Spanish Article meaning the Dorado Spanish Past participle of do

• dory

  Etymology Ancient Greek δῶρον dōron meaning gift present Meaning A g

• lily

  Etymology Old High German lilia Latin lilium Greek leírion Meaning Flowe

• hunt

  Etymology The word hunt derives from the Proto Indo European root kwen meaning to d

• chapter

  Etymology The word chapter comes from the Latin word capitulum meaning head or he

• guild

  Etymology Old English gild Anglo Saxon gildan meaning to pay or to contribute