surcease etymology

Etymology:

  • Old French: sursoir, surseir
  • Latin: supersedēre ("to sit upon, stay, rest")
  • From super ("above, over") and sedēre ("to sit")

Meaning:

  • A cessation or stopping
  • A period of rest or relief
  • A discontinuance or suspension

Origin:

The word "surcease" originated in the 14th century from the Old French term sursoir, meaning "to stay, rest, or discontinue." This term, in turn, traces its roots back to the Latin verb supersedēre, which literally means "to sit upon." The semantic connection is based on the idea of pausing or resting, as if one were physically seated upon something.

Over time, the meaning of "surcease" evolved to encompass more figurative contexts. It came to refer not only to physical rest or cessation but also to metaphorical pauses or interruptions in activity, such as a break from work or a respite from pain.

"Surcease" is often used in a poetic or literary context, particularly in reference to the relief or comfort that comes with a temporary pause or respite. For example, in Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," the main character utters the famous line, "Sleep no more!/ Macbeth does murder sleep," implying that his guilt and despair have deprived him of any respite from his tormented mind.

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