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Glite Dictionary
Norman-French

Norman-French

9.9
A form of Old French spoken in Normandy in the Middle Ages that influenced English law and words
  • noun
  • /nɔrˈmæn frɛntʃ/
  • Archaic
translation icon : francés normando
  • The influence of Norman-French on English vocabulary can be traced through various historical texts from the Middle Ages.

Examples

  • An ear for the difference between Saxon and Norman-French-based words remains important even in popular literature.

    Blog text (4)

  • Many legal terms in English, such as 'court' and 'judge', originate from Norman-French used in the period following the Norman Conquest.

  • Understanding Norman-French is crucial for anyone studying the development of legal language in England.

Synonyms

Norman French
vsNorman-French
  • Archaic
9.9

A form of Old French spoken by the Normans in medieval England

is the same linguistic form but noted especially for legal influence in England
Old North French
vsNorman-French
  • Specialized
9.9

A form of French spoken in northern France in the Middle Ages

is the same regional speech but emphasises its impact on English law and words
Anglo-Norman language
vsNorman-French
  • Specialized
9.9

A form of Norman French used in England in the Middle Ages by rulers, courts, and writers

is the continental source form rather than the England-adapted written variety
Anglo-Norman
vsNorman-French
  • Specialized
9.9

A form of Norman French used in England from the 11th to the 15th centuries

is the original continental speech rather than the later England version
Anglo-French language
vsNorman-French
  • Specialized
9.9

A form of French used for law and government in England in the Middle Ages

is the broader Old French form from northern France, not the England administrative use
Anglo-French
vsNorman-French
  • Specialized
9.9

The French spoken in England in the Middle Ages by rulers and lawyers

is the northern France spoken form rather than the England-based usage

Surface Forms

Norman-French singular
Norman-Frenches plural

Morphology

Norman-French = Norman + French (transparent) = Norman + French

The form is a straightforward compound referring to French associated with Normandy, so the meaning is largely recoverable from its parts.

Etymology

The word Norman-French names the form of French used by the Normans; Norman comes from the old word Northman, which means 'people from the north' who settled in Normandy. After they conquered England in 1066, their French added many legal and everyday words to English, so many English legal terms still come from Norman-French.