Arvernian

Part of speech: adjective, noun

Definitions

1. Of or belonging to Auvergne, a historical region in central France
2. Relating to Auvergne or its people, culture, and characteristics
3. Pertaining to the region of Auvergne in south-central France

Etymology: Arvernian describes things belonging to or relating to the Arverni, the Gaulish people who lived in what is now the Auvergne region of central France. The name is a simple formation: "Arvern" is the Latinised form of the people's name, and the suffix "-ian" (from Latin "-ianus") turns a people or place into an adjective. English speakers therefore use the word the way they would use "Parisian" or "Roman." The people themselves were a powerful Gaulish confederation before the Roman conquest. Their most famous leader, Vercingetorix, led a major revolt against Julius Caesar in 52 BC, and the word carries that history with it whenever it is used of the region or its ancient inhabitants.