A Latin Dictionary for Schools

A Latin Dictionary for Schools by Charlton T. Lewis and Charles Short is an abridged version of their comprehensive Latin-English dictionary, published in 1879. The school edition contains over 30,000 entries focused on vocabulary from standard Latin texts used in classical education. The dictionary provides English translations, etymologies, and usage examples for Latin words, with special attention to common meanings encountered in school readings. Entries include grammatical information, principal parts of verbs, and citations from Roman authors to illustrate word usage in context. The volume serves as a practical reference tool for students reading Caesar, Cicero, Virgil, and other authors in the standard Latin curriculum. The clear organization and straightforward definitions represent core Latin vocabulary while omitting specialized terms and rare usages found in the unabridged version. The dictionary reflects 19th century classical scholarship and pedagogical methods, providing insight into how Latin was taught and studied during that period. Its focus on accessible definitions and relevant examples demonstrates an understanding of student needs in Latin language instruction.

Readers value this dictionary as a standard reference for Latin students, though note it can be overwhelming for beginners. The 1879 full version serves advanced scholars, while this abridged school edition meets most student needs. Likes: - Clear etymologies and word origins - Multiple usage examples from classical texts - Sturdy binding that withstands heavy use - Accurate grammatical information Dislikes: - Small print strains eyes - Paper is very thin - Complex entries intimidate new students - Price ($50-75) is high for students - No modern Latin vocabulary included From reviews: "Detailed enough for college work but not as daunting as the unabridged version" - Amazon reviewer "The thin pages tear too easily" - Classical resource forum user "Worth the investment if you're serious about Latin" - Goodreads user Ratings: Amazon: 4.7/5 (89 reviews) Goodreads: 4.4/5 (126 ratings) Google Books: 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Oxford Latin Dictionary by Peter G.W. Glare This comprehensive Latin-English dictionary covers classical Latin through 200 CE with detailed etymologies and usage examples from primary sources.

Elementary Latin Dictionary by Charlton T. Lewis This condensed version of Lewis's larger works focuses on vocabulary from standard Latin texts used in schools and universities.

Cassell's Latin Dictionary by D.P. Simpson This reference work combines classical and ecclesiastical Latin with modern scientific terminology and includes both Latin-English and English-Latin sections.

Collins Latin Dictionary & Grammar by Collins Dictionaries This dictionary combines a complete Latin-English dictionary with a full Latin grammar reference in one volume.

A New Latin Dictionary by E.A. Andrews This classical dictionary emphasizes proper names, geographical locations, and historical references found in Latin literature.

🔍 Lewis and Short's dictionary was first published in 1879 and remained the standard Latin-English dictionary for English-speaking students for over a century. 📚 The dictionary is actually an abridged version of a larger work, "Harper's Latin Dictionary," which was itself based on the German dictionary by Wilhelm Freund. ✒️ Charlton T. Lewis, one of the authors, was not only a lexicographer but also a lawyer, editor, and professor at Troy University and New York University. 🎓 The dictionary includes detailed etymologies and follows words through their evolution from Classical Latin through Medieval Latin, helping scholars trace linguistic changes. 📖 Despite being published in the 19th century, the dictionary is still widely used today and has been digitized by Perseus Digital Library, making it freely accessible online.