capitol
noun/ˈkæp.ɪ.təl/
Etymology From Middle English Capitolie, via Anglo-Norman capitolie, Old French capitoile, from Latin Capitōlium (“Capitoline Hill, its temples; any similar citadel”), from the oblique stem of caput (“head”) + -ō (noun-forming suffix) or -ōlus (“-ole”, diminutive suffix) + -ium (toponym-forming suffix). Compare Latin capitō and capitulum. As a French magistrate, via French capitoul, from Capitole, the town hall of Toulouse. Doublet of Capitolium and capitoul.
US Any building or complex of buildings in which a legislature meets.
- The state capitol is located smack-dab in the middle of the state's capital.
- The centre of attraction was the City Hall. Two thousand flags and more ...; 2,000 electric lights... combined to make the civic capitol gorgeous... .1901 January 1, "Twentieth Century's Triumphant Entry", The New York Times, page 1
Historical Any citadel or complex of buildings similar to the Roman Capitol, particularly Italian and Roman citadels including temples to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva.
Alternative, Historical Alternative form of capitoul (“the former chief magistrates of Toulouse, France”).
- Synonyms
- statehouse, Capitolium
- Derived terms
- Old Capitol Site
- Related terms
- capital, Capitoline