CONTENTS

Chapter I
Introductory[7]
Chapter II
Influence of Stem-Meaning[10]
I.-Mentum.
A.Concrete -mentum Words on Verb Stems.
1.Nouns denoting result of action, with general application[10]
2.Nouns denoting result of action, with restricted application[11]
3.Nouns denoting instrument, with general application[12]
4.Nouns denoting instrument, with both general and figurative application[13]
5.Nouns denoting instrument, with specialized application[14]
6.Nouns denoting instrument, with both specialized and figurative application[15]
7.Nouns not classified[16]
B.Concrete -mentum Words on Noun and Adjective Stems[17]
C.Abstract -mentum Words on Verb Stems.
1.Nouns denoting result of action[18]
2.Nouns denoting instrument[20]
3.Nouns denoting action[22]
D.Abstract -mentum Words on Noun Stems[23]
II.-Bulum.
1.Nouns denoting instrument[24]
2.Nouns denoting place[25]
3.Nouns denoting person[26]
III.-Culum.
A.Concrete -culum Words.
1.Nouns denoting instrument[27]
2.Nouns denoting place[29]
3.Nouns denoting object of action[30]
B.Abstract -culum Words, All Denoting Action[30]
Chapter III
Influence of Context[32]
Chapter IV
Overlapping of Suffixes[43]
A.Parallels of -mentum and Accessory Suffixes[44]
B.Parallels of -bulum and Accessory Suffixes[49]
C.Parallels of -culum and Accessory Suffixes[50]
Chapter V
Suffixes and the Theory of Adaptation[52]
Index of Words[55]

The Semantics of -mentum, -bulum, and -culum

CHAPTER I

Introductory

The primary object of this study will be to show, first, the range of semantic variability discernible in a set of noun-formative suffixes and the reason for it; and second, by a comparison of these suffixes with other suffixes used on the same stem, to illustrate the comparatively fluid semantic condition of formative suffixes in general. The semantic value will be determined by an examination of the meaning of the whole noun and its relation to the surrounding context.

The suffixes chosen for investigation were -mentum, -bulum, and -culum. They form neuters and are joined mainly to verb stems. In all grammars they are grouped together as forming nouns signifying the instrument or means of action, sometimes result of action, sometimes place, rarely the action itself. Such general statements are true and perhaps adequate for the purpose of stating a brief grammatical rule; but it will be seen from the following pages that these suffixes are capable of much greater variations.