Gerontius

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A proper name derived from ancient Greek meaning 'old man' often associated with works of literature, such as a character in a long poem; occasionally used as a given name in historical or classical contexts; also recognized as the title of a musical composition based on that poem
2. A historical or literary proper noun referencing an elderly male figure from Greek origin; known as the protagonist in certain poetic and musical works; sometimes employed as a classical or rare personal name
3. A classical name for an aged male derived from Greek roots, notably featured in poetry and choral compositions; used historically as a personal name; also the subject of specific artistic creations in literature and music

Etymology: John Henry Newman named the dying man at the center of his long poem "The Dream of Gerontius" after the Greek "gerōn," meaning "old man," adding a Latin-style ending to make it a personal name. The same root gave English "geriatric" and "gerontology," so the name signals age before the reader knows anything else about the character. The name was also used occasionally as a given name in the classical and late Roman world, borne by a few historical figures. Newman's choice draws on the Greek word rather than on any one of them. Edward Elgar later set Newman's poem to music, and his choral work "The Dream of Gerontius" made the name familiar to concert audiences as the title of a composition.