The term “burgher” is not commonly used in everyday language, but it has a rich history and several meanings. It is a word that has been used to describe different things throughout history, and its meaning has evolved over time. In this article, we will explore the different definitions and associations of the word “burgher.”
Definitions
A burgher is a citizen of a town or city, especially one belonging to the middle class. It can also refer to a member of the bourgeoisie, a social class that emerged in Europe during the Middle Ages. In some contexts, burgher can also refer to a person who is loyal to a particular city or town.
Origin
The word “burgher” comes from the Old High German word “burgari,” which means “inhabitant of a fortress or walled city.” It was first used in the 13th century to describe a member of the middle class in a city or town. The term was later adopted in other European languages, including French, Dutch, and English.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, burgher is defined as “a member of the middle class in a European city.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a citizen of a town or city, especially one belonging to the middle class.” In the Cambridge Dictionary, burgher is defined as “a person who lives in a town or city, especially one who is important because of their job or social position.”
Associations
The term “burgher” is often associated with the middle class, as it was originally used to describe members of this social class in medieval Europe. It is also associated with urban life, as it refers to citizens of towns and cities. In some contexts, burgher can also be associated with loyalty to a particular city or town.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for burgher include citizen, resident, inhabitant, townsperson, and townsman.
Antonyms
Antonyms for burgher include peasant, serf, and aristocrat.
The same root words
The word “burgher” shares its root with other words, such as “borough” and “burgess.” Borough refers to a town or district that has its own government, while burgess refers to a member of the middle class who held political power in medieval Europe.
Example Sentences
- The burghers of the town were outraged by the new tax.
- He was a successful businessman and a respected burgher in the community.
- The city’s burghers were proud of their history and heritage.
- The burgher class played an important role in the development of European cities during the Middle Ages.
- The burghers of the town banded together to defend their city against invaders.