Oxford Latin Dictionary

The Oxford Latin Dictionary (OLD) stands as a comprehensive Latin-English dictionary covering the Latin language from its earliest attestations to the 2nd century CE. Its first edition was published in 1968 following a 50-year compilation process. The dictionary contains over 40,000 entries with detailed etymological information, word definitions, and examples of usage drawn from classical Latin texts. Each entry provides grammatical information, variant spellings, and chronological documentation of word meanings as they evolved through different periods. The work represents a complete revision of Latin lexicography, replacing earlier dictionaries by incorporating archaeological discoveries and advanced linguistic scholarship of the 20th century. Citations throughout the dictionary reference a broad range of Latin literature, inscriptions, and other historical sources. This dictionary serves as a foundational tool for understanding the development and nuances of Latin vocabulary, reflecting the complex relationship between language and Roman culture across centuries of use.

Readers value the OLD's completeness and accuracy for classical Latin through 200 CE. Many note it contains more detail than Lewis & Short, with clearer organization of word definitions and better citation of sources. Liked: - Precise definitions with chronological development of word meanings - High quality binding and paper in 2012 edition - Includes proper nouns and scientific terms - Clear typeface and layout Disliked: - High price point ($400+ new) - Weight makes it cumbersome (12+ lbs) - No medieval or ecclesiastical Latin - Some find abbreviations system complex Ratings: Amazon: 4.8/5 (42 reviews) Goodreads: 4.7/5 (31 ratings) Notable reviews: "Most comprehensive single-volume Latin dictionary" - Classical Journal review "Worth the investment for serious Latin scholars" - Amazon reviewer "Paper quality far superior to Lewis & Short" - Textkit Forum user "Abbreviations take time to master but system makes sense" - Goodreads review

A Latin Dictionary by Lewis and Short This comprehensive Latin-English dictionary contains detailed etymologies and extensive citations from classical texts.

Elementary Latin Dictionary by Charlton T. Lewis This concise reference work focuses on core Latin vocabulary with essential definitions for students and scholars.

Cassell's Latin Dictionary by D.P. Simpson The dictionary provides Latin-English and English-Latin translations with a focus on classical and ecclesiastical Latin usage.

Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources by R. E. Latham, D.R. Howlett This dictionary documents Latin words used in British medieval sources from 540 to 1600 CE, including terms not found in classical Latin.

Lewis and Short's Latin-English Lexicon by E.A. Andrews This lexicon presents Latin words with their various meanings through historical development and includes quotations from Latin literature.

🔖 The Oxford Latin Dictionary took over 50 years to complete (1933-1982), making it one of the longest lexicographical projects in Oxford's history 📚 Unlike most Latin dictionaries, it focuses solely on classical Latin (before 200 CE) and doesn't include medieval or ecclesiastical Latin terms ✍️ The dictionary documents approximately 40,000 Latin words, using nearly 400,000 quotations from Latin literature as supporting evidence 🎓 Editor Peter Glare took over the project in 1954 and spent the next 28 years bringing it to completion, despite severe funding challenges and staff shortages 📖 It remains the most comprehensive English-language dictionary of classical Latin, replacing Lewis and Short's Latin Dictionary as the standard reference work in the field