Nun question

[bigbear62040]

Where did the term “Nun” come from?

 

[davidv]

From Dictionary.com

nun

[nuhn]
***–noun ***1. a woman member of a religious order, esp. one bound by vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

1. {Snip}

***Origin: ***
bef. 900; ME, OE *nunne *< ML *nonna, *fem. of *nonnus *monk

 

[bigbear62040]

Thanks. Don’t get me wrong, I know what a nun is but how did the term “nun” come to be?

 

[davidv]

Thanks. Don’t get me wrong, I know what a nun is but how did the term “nun” come to be?

I believe the anwser was given in post #2 under the “Origin” information.

 

[EricFilmer]

Thanks. Don’t get me wrong, I know what a nun is but how did the term “nun” come to be?

Based on what davidv posted under origins, I believe the abbreviations therein identify the word “nun” as…

1. A Middle English word adapted over time from:
2. The Old English word “nunne”, which (in turn) is derived from:
3. The Medieval Latin word “nonna”, which is the feminine version of the male word “nonnus” which means, “monk.”

Therefore, in its most basic sense, the modern word “nun” evolved over time from the Medieval Latin word “nonna”, and means “female monk.”

 

[bigbear62040]

Thanks guys. I was just curious.