sainthood etymology

Etymology:

  • Saint (n.): from Late Latin sanctus, from Latin sancire ("to make sacred, to consecrate")

  • Hood (n.): from Old English hōd ("hood, cowl, covering")

Meaning and Origin:

Sainthood refers to the state of being officially recognized by a religious organization as a saint, a person deemed to have lived an exceptionally holy life and worthy of veneration. The term originated in the early Christian Church when followers of deceased individuals believed to have died for their faith or exhibited extraordinary virtue were elevated to the status of saints.

The requirement for sainthood has varied over time and across different religions, but typically involves a rigorous process of investigation and validation of the individual's life, virtues, and purported miracles. In the Catholic Church, for instance, the process of canonization includes four main stages:

  • Servant of God
  • Venerable
  • Blessed
  • Saint

Once an individual is declared a saint, their name is entered into the official list of saints and they are considered worthy of veneration and intercession. They may be commemorated with feast days, patronages, and the building of churches in their honor.

The term "hood" originally referred to a piece of clothing covering the head and neck. In the context of sainthood, it symbolizes the special protection and guidance that saints are believed to provide. When a person is declared a saint, they are often depicted with a golden halo (representing holiness) and a hood or cowl (representing their special status and proximity to God).

sainthood relate terms

  • saint

    Etymology The word saint comes from the Latin word sanctus which means holy or co

  • sacred

    Etymology The word sacred originates from the Latin word sacer which means holy

  • hade

    Etymology The word hade is derived from the Old English word hād meaning state co

  • billet

    Etymology The word billet comes from the Middle English word billet which is derive

  • position

    Etymology From Middle English posicion from Anglo Norman posicion from Old French pos

  • office

    Etymology The word office is derived from the Latin word officium which originally m

  • berth

    Etymology The word berth has two distinct etymological origins Old French From

  • stain

    Etymology Latin tinctūra dyeing coloring Old French taincture Middle English ste

  • satin

    Etymology Middle English satyn from Anglo French satin from Medieval Latin sattu nu

  • place

    Etymology The word place originates from the Latin word platea which means broad

  • group

    Etymology The word group comes from the Old French word groupe which in turn comes f

  • situation

    Etymology Latin situātiō n Origin situation position placement Meaning A

  • post

    Etymology From Middle English post from Anglo Norman and Old French post from Latin p