Lexica → Word → incipit
| Letter | I |
|---|---|
| Letter name | i |
| Pronounciation | /aɪ/ |
| Word: | incipit |
|---|---|
| Pronounciation: | |
| Century: | 12th |
| DA Name: | incipit |
| Era: | C.E. |
| Origin: | Original |
| Type: | Official |
| Source Language: | Latin |
Source Language Words: | incipio = "to take in hand, begin, commence". |
| Source Text: | |
Definition: | From 12th Century Latin incipit meaning "the official beginning element of a CHARTER" as in the case of a PAPAL BULL. From the ancient pre 3rd Century Latin incipio = "to take in hand, begin, commence". By law, a document may only be valid as a Charter if it carries the correct style of INCIPIT. In the case of Papal Bulls, the tradition of the INCIPIT is constructed from (1) name of Pope, (2) the Latin phrase episcopus servus servorum Dei meaning "bishop, servant of the servants of God" and (3) a unique opening sentence not previously proclaimed by any other Papal Bull. |
