Mediaevals

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. Relating to the period in European history known as the Middle Ages, encompassing cultural, social, and political aspects of that time
  2. Characterizing the styles, philosophies, and artistic expressions of the medieval era, often associated with feudalism and ecclesiastical influence
  3. Pertaining to the historical era marked by knights, castles, and vibrant intellectual and spiritual developments in Europe

Etymology: The term "mediaevals" is a plural noun form derived from "mediaeval," an older spelling of "medieval," which relates to the Middle Ages — the period in European history roughly spanning the 5th to the late 15th century. The spelling "mediaeval" was more common in British English until the 20th century, after which "medieval" became the standard. Both forms come from the Latin phrase "medium aevum," meaning "the middle age," coined by Renaissance humanists to describe the era between antiquity and their present time. "Mediaevals," as a noun, is used to refer collectively to people or things pertaining to that historical period, such as the inhabitants, customs, or artifacts of medieval times. This nominal use likely emerged as an easy shorthand among historians and writers to talk about the medieval class or society without repeatedly using the adjective with explicit nouns. The plural formation follows regular English patterns, simply adding an "s" to the adjective form to create a substantive plural. Its usage appears primarily in older historical writings or discussions that treat the Middle Ages as a distinct cultural cohort. Over time, as language evolved and "medieval" became the preferred spelling, "mediaevals" fell out of common use, often replaced by more specific terms like "medieval people," "medievalists," or simply "the Middle Ages." Rooted in Latin yet filtered through Middle French and early Modern English, this word reflects how scholarly traditions shaped English vocabulary. The fascination with the medieval era during the Renaissance and later periods gave rise to these terms, embedding the historical epoch firmly in the language as both an adjective and, occasionally, a noun for its denizens.

Synonyms: medievals, dark ages