When you think of a word, do you wonder about its history? The library’s newest database, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), explains a word's history, its meanings and its usage over time. Editors of the OED follow a lengthy process to add words that document the history of the English language.
The OED shows that the word “valentine” comes from Old French, Valentine or from the Latin Valentinus, the names of two Italian saints both commemorated on February 14. It appears in Chaucer’s writing c1381 as “seynt Volantynys day” and in Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream as “Saint Valentine is past. Begin these wood birds but to couple now?" At that time people believed birds mated on February 14.
A Valentine is a sweetheart, lover or special friend chosen on St.Valentine’s Day. In the 1600s, a valentine was a gift or present chosen for one’s beloved. Today, we think of a Valentine as a gift, card or message sent on February 14 to a special friend or family member. Candy and roses anyone?
The Oxford English Dictionary can be accessed from the library’s homepage. Contact the circulation desk at 271-7186 for off-campus login information.
