| punctum |
| Definition -
An obsolete Latinate name for a point used as a weak mark of punctuation in medieval manuscripts. (OED)
Notes: 1. The term is obsolete in common usage but is a living technical term in the field of palaeography. |
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Etymology - The word derives from the Latin pungere, to prick. |
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Oxford English Dictionary - Its first citation is from 1952: "Punctus elevatus, a symbol formed by combining Punctum and Podatus. It denoted the cadence with which a Colon ended, generally a gradual lowering of pitch followed by a return to the Tuba in one stage. Ibid. 5 Punctus versus, a symbol consisting of the Punctum. It denoted the cadence with which a Periodus ended. Ibid., Punctus interrogativus, a symbol formed by combining Punctum and Porrectus. It denoted the cadence with which an interrogative sentence ended. (P. Clemoes, Liturgical Influence on Punctuation in Late Old English & Early Middle English, MSS 4) |
