Anglo-Norman – Definition & Meaning

Anglo-Norman refers to the dialect of Old French that was used in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. It was the language of the ruling class in England for over three centuries and had a significant influence on the English language. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of Anglo-Norman.

Definitions

Anglo-Norman can be defined as the dialect of Old French that was spoken in England during the medieval period. It was the language of the Norman conquerors and their descendants, who ruled England from 1066 to the mid-14th century. Anglo-Norman was also the language of law, administration, and literature in England during this period.

Origin

Anglo-Norman originated from the Norman dialect of Old French, which was spoken in Normandy, France. When William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066, he brought with him a large number of Norman knights and nobles who spoke this dialect. Over time, the Norman dialect evolved into a distinct dialect of Old French that became known as Anglo-Norman.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Anglo-Norman is defined as “the dialect of Old French spoken in England by the Normans and their descendants from the Conquest until the end of the 14th century.”
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Anglo-Norman as “the French dialect spoken in England from the Norman Conquest to the 14th century.”

Associations

Anglo-Norman is associated with the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 and the subsequent rule of the Normans in England. It is also associated with the development of the English legal system and the production of literature in England during the medieval period.

Synonyms

Synonyms of Anglo-Norman include Old French, Norman French, and Medieval French.

Antonyms

Antonyms of Anglo-Norman include Middle English, Early Modern English, and Modern English.

The same root words

Anglo-Norman shares many root words with Modern English, as it was one of the major influences on the development of the English language. Some common root words include “justice,” “government,” “court,” and “feudal.”

Example Sentences

1. The Anglo-Norman language was the language of law and administration in England for over three centuries.
2. Many words in Modern English have their roots in Anglo-Norman.
3. The literature produced in Anglo-Norman had a significant influence on the development of English literature.
4. The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought the Anglo-Norman dialect to England.