norman meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

Norman

nounalso spelled Norman

US /ˈnɔɹmən/ · UK /ˈnɔːmən/

Etymology

From Middle English Norman, from Old English Norman (a variant of Norþman) and Old French Normant. It is certain that the word is derived from the base of the Germanic words for north and the Germanic base of the words for man. However, given the frequent movement of Germanic groups especially into and out of Britain in the post-classical world, it is unclear in what tongue it came to be used first. In addition, the generally accepted meaning, a person from Normandy or one of the many French-speaking invaders to Britain, was used chiefly by Anglo-Norman and Old French, though it originally referred to any Scandinavian of the time. See also Northman.

1

A native or inhabitant of Normandy, France.

2

A member of the mixed Scandinavian and Frankish peoples who, in the 11th century, were a major military power in Western Europe and who conquered the English in 1066.

3

Rare A Northman.

4

Norman French in the Middle Ages.

Derived terms: Norman Conquest, Norman County, Norman Invasion, Norman Island, Norman no mates, Norman's Bay, Normans Bay, Norman window

Norman

adj

Etymology

From Middle English Norman, from Old English Norman (a variant of Norþman) and Old French Normant. It is certain that the word is derived from the base of the Germanic words for north and the Germanic base of the words for man. However, given the frequent movement of Germanic groups especially into and out of Britain in the post-classical world, it is unclear in what tongue it came to be used first. In addition, the generally accepted meaning, a person from Normandy or one of the many French-speaking invaders to Britain, was used chiefly by Anglo-Norman and Old French, though it originally referred to any Scandinavian of the time. See also Northman.

1

Of or pertaining to Normandy or its inhabitants (present or past).

The early years of Norman occupation saw a frenzy of castle building.1999, Linda Flavell, Roger Flavell, “1066[:] The Normans Begin to Erect Castles”, in dictionary of english down through the ages[:] words & phrases born out of historical events great & small, 2005 edition, London: Kyle Cathie Limited, →ISBN, page 17:

2

Relating to the Norman language or the dialect of French spoken in Normandy.

Norman vocabulary

3

Relating to the Romanesque architecture developed by the Normans after the Norman Conquest, characterized by large arches and heavy columns.

4

Arts, Design Having a counterintuitive design that confuses users about proper operation; after Don Norman, author of The Design of Everyday Things (1988).

Darn Norman door! I thought I had to push, but I actually had to pull.

Derived terms: Cymro-Norman

norman

noun

Etymology Borrowed from French normand.

1

Nautical, Transport A wooden bar, or iron pin.

An iron norman pin penetrates the bitt near the top , and there is visible wear on the bitt from lines being tied to it and the norman pin2013, Keith N. Meverden, Wisconsin Coal Haulers:

norman

noun

Etymology From normal + -an, possibly influenced by the given name Norman.

1

Slang Synonym of normie (“a normal person”).