Capitulary is a tricky word when it comes to spelling. It refers to a book of ecclesiastical laws or decrees written by a bishop or group of bishops. To break down the pronunciation, it is spelled [kap-i-chuh-ler-ee]. The emphasis is on the second syllable, pronounced with a short "i." The "t" in the middle is silent, so it's just spelled as "cap-i-chu-lar-ee". Remembering the pronunciation of this word can help you avoid misspelling it in future writing endeavors.
Capitulary refers to an adjective describing something that pertains to a chapter or a governmental decree. The term originated from the Latin word capitularis, which means "pertaining to a chapter." It is primarily used in reference to the legislative or regulatory acts issued by medieval kings or emperors.
In a historical context, a capitulary refers to a collection of laws or decrees composed during the Carolingian period (8th-9th century) in the Frankish Kingdom under Charlemagne and his successors. These capitularies were comprehensive legal codes that aimed to standardize laws and regulations within the kingdom, covering various aspects of governance such as judiciary, economy, taxation, military, and religious affairs.
Capitularies were important for maintaining order and harmony in the kingdom, as they outlined the rights, duties, and punishments for individuals in different social classes. They played a significant role in curating and disseminating law and served as a primary source of legislation and administration in the Frankish Kingdom.
The term "capitulary" can also be used more broadly to describe any governmental decree or official document containing laws or regulations. It implies the formal and authoritative nature of such documents, illustrating their importance within the legal framework of a particular regime or jurisdiction. Overall, capitulary serves as a crucial term in understanding medieval legislation, as well as the social, political, and legal structure of the kingdoms in that era.
• The laws of an ecclesiastical council or chapter; the member of a chapter.
• Relating to the chapter of a cathedral.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word capitulary comes from the Latin term capitularium, which is derived from capitulum, meaning chapter or section. In the context of law and governance, a capitulary refers to a document or legal code consisting of chapters or sections. The term originated in medieval Latin and was primarily used to denote the legislative and administrative acts of the Frankish kings during the Carolingian Empire (8th-10th centuries). These acts were typically written in chapters, thereby giving rise to the term capitulary.