Bergamask

English

Alternative forms

• Bergomask

Etymology

From the Italian Bergamasco (from Bergamo, itself from German Bergheim, meaning "mountain home"). Another potential derivation of modern day Bergamo, could be from the Latin "Pergamum", the alternative name for Troy. This would make sense, given the stress would still be on the antepenult, as well, the P sound is often interchangeable with B in modern day Italian. Furthermore, the shift from the neuter ending "-um" to an "-o" is well-documented and widespread in modern Italian.

Adjective

Bergamask

1. Of or characteristic of Bergamo, Italy.
   • 1594-6 "Will it please you to see the epilogue, or to hear a Bergomask dance between two of our company?" — Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream.