The spelling of the word "lombard" is often confusing due to the varied pronunciations of the "o". In IPA phonetic transcription, it can be represented as /ˈlɒmbəd/ or /ˈlɒmˌbɑrd/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "o" sound, similar to "lot" or "lawn". The second syllable can be pronounced with either a short "a" sound, like "cat", or a more open, back vowel like "father". Overall, the spelling of "lombard" accurately reflects its pronunciation, though slight variations may occur depending on regional dialect.
Lombard is a noun that refers to a member of a Germanic people who dominated much of Italy from the 6th to the 8th centuries. The Lombards originated in the northern regions of Germany known as Saxony and Bavaria but eventually migrated southward into Italy during the Early Middle Ages. They established a powerful kingdom known as the Lombard Kingdom or Lombardy, with its capital in Pavia.
In addition to their military strength, the Lombards were renowned for their skills in battle and warfare. They were known for their use of cavalry and their ability to adapt to various fighting styles. Their prowess on the battlefield allowed them to conquer and control vast territories throughout Italy, leaving a significant cultural and linguistic impact on the regions they ruled.
The Lombards were also deeply influenced by the Italian culture and assimilated many aspects of Roman civilization into their own society. They embraced Christianity and adopted the Latin language, contributing to the development of the Lombardic dialects. Their kingdoms played a crucial role in the political landscape of early medieval Italy, often vying for power with other Germanic tribes, the Byzantine Empire, and the Papal States.
Today, the term "Lombard" can still be used to describe the historical heritage of the Lombardic people and their impact on Italian history. It can also refer to the region of Lombardy in modern-day Italy, which encompasses the ancient Lombard Kingdom.
A native of Lombardy, in Italy; on the Continent, a banker or money-lender.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "Lombard" has its roots in the history of the Lombard people, a Germanic ethnic group who migrated to Italy in the 6th century. The term "Lombard" is derived from the Old High German word "Langobard", which translates to "long beard".
The Lombards established a kingdom in northern Italy known as the Lombard Kingdom or Lombardy. They greatly influenced the region's culture and played a significant role in the history of Italy during the early Medieval period.
Over time, the term "Lombard" also came to be used more broadly to refer to various individuals and groups associated with the Lombard Kingdom or Lombardy. This includes Lombard merchants, moneylenders, or traders who were known for their financial activities.