septentrion

See also: septentrión

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin septentriō, septentriōnem the northern regions, the north, from septentriones the seven stars near the north pole, called Charles's Wain, or the Great Bear, also those called the Little Bear; properly, the seven plow oxen; septem (“seven”) + trio, originally a plow ox: compare (deprecated template usage) [etyl] French septentrion.

Noun

septentrion (plural septentrions)

1. (obsolete) The north or northern regions.
   • (Can we date this quote?), Chaucer, Boece, Book II

     And ek this Nero governyde by ceptre alle the peples that ben undir the colde sterres that highten the septemtryones. (This is to seyn he governede alle the peples that ben under the partye of the north.)

   • (Can we date this quote?), Shakespeare, Henry VI (act 1, scene 4)

     Thou art as opposite to every good / As the Antipodes are unto us, / Or as the south to the septentrion.

Adjective

septentrion (comparative more septentrion, superlative most septentrion)

1. (obsolete) Of or relating to the north; northern.
   • (Can we date this quote by Milton and provide title, author’s full name, and other details?)

     From cold septentrion blasts.

References

• “septentrion”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.

Anagrams

• pretentions

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French

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin septentriō, septentriōnem.

Noun

septentrion m (plural septentrions)

1. septentrion, north

Synonyms

• nord

Derived terms

• septentrional