“Privilege”
Sir, —What can Mr Macbeth mean when he writes that the “literal’’ meaning of “privilege” l is “first by law”? It looks as if he must be referring to the Latin derivation, and if so, it is nice to see the good old game of popular etymology still being played. However, primi lege will not give “privilege,” which is actually, no doubt, a borrowing through French of privilegium, an excel-
lent Latin word compounded from privus and lex, with the “literal” meaning of “a dispensation from the law(s) granted to an individual.” This meaning, modified, seems to linger on in “parliamentary privilege.” The normal use.
“special advantage of a minority,” which fits Mr Macbeth’s context, appears a natural and unobjectionable extension of this, outside the legal reference.—Yours, etc., G. V. SUMNER. May 6, 1959.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28888, 7 May 1959, Page 3
Word Count
135“Privilege” Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28888, 7 May 1959, Page 3
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