Scoti
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Scoti or Scotti was the generic name used by the Romans to describe those who sailed from Ireland to conduct raids on Roman Britain.[1] It was thus synonymous with the modern term Gaels. In the 5th century, these raiders established the kingdom of Dál Riata along the west coast of Scotland. As this kingdom expanded in size and influence, the name was applied to all its subjects – hence the modern terms Scot, Scottish and Scotland.
The origin of the word Scoti or Scotti is uncertain. Charles Oman derives it from the Gaelic word Scuit (a man cut-off), suggesting that a Scuit was not a general word for the Gael but a band of outcast raiders.[2] In the 19th century Aonghas MacCoinnich of Glasgow proposed that Scoti was derived from the Gaelic word Sgaothaich.[3] It has also been suggested that it comes from the Greek word skotos (σκότος) meaning darkness.[4]
Scotland takes its name from Scotus which in Latin translates into Irishman (masculine form of Scoti).[5] This is in reference to the Gaelic settlers from Ireland which was named Scotia (feminine form of Scoti) during this Epoch.[5] The settlers from Ireland in nowadays Scotland were known as Scoti.[5]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Online Etymology Dictionary: "Scot"
- ^ Sir Charles Oman: A History of England before the Norman Conquest
- ^ MacCoinnich, Aonghas Eachdraidh na h-Alba (Glasgow 1867)
- ^ Freeman, Philip Ireland in the Classical World University of Texas Press (1 Feb 2001) ISBN 978-0292725188 p.93 [1]
- ^ a b c The Encyclopedia Americana: A Library of Universal Knowledge: Volume 15, (1919) Encyclopedia Americana Corp., University of Wisconsin - Madison
