AboutTed Nesbitt Expertise I have an interest in the meanings of words and phrases, as well as how and when they became part of the English language. I enjoy
researching idioms, colloquialisms, dialects, and obscurities of
all kinds. I prefer short questions on a particular subject, and
I will not accept lengthy research projects or term papers. NOTE: ALLEXPERTS CLAIMS THAT I TRANSLATE FROM ENGLISH TO LATIN AND FROM LATIN TO ENGLISH. I DO NOT. ALLEXPERTS REFUSES TO DELETE THE LATIN-TO-ENGLISH SERVICE -- ONE THAT I DO NOT PROVIDE.
TRUST ME ON THIS: ALLEXPERTS IS WRONG. I DO NOT TRANSLATE FROM ENGLISH TO LANGUAGE. LOOK FOR A LANGUAGE EXPERT INSTEAD. ETYMOLOGY AND TRANSLATING SERVICES ARE ENTIRELY DIFFERENT. ALLEXPERTS SHOULD KNOW THAT. ALLEXPERTS DOES NOT KNOW THAT. I HAVE TRIED FOR MANY YEARS TO GET THEM TO CHANGE. THEY WILL NOT. SORRY, BUT I DO NOT TRANSLATE FROM ENGLISH TO LATIN.
Experience I am the bibliographic instruction and reference librarian at a public
college. My master's thesis concerns William Faulkner's tragic novels. I formerly taught advanced placement English at two schools in the Philadelphia area.
I have been a member of the grammar and writing section of Allexperts
for more than a year.
Education/Credentials Masters degrees in English, philosophy, and library science.
Question A local pub near my house has the moto "sub pedibus omnia subiecisti oves et boves" and I'm struggling to find out what it means. The closest I can get is "up to under foot all things subiecisti sheep and oxen" and I can't find what "subiecisti" means. Any Ideas?
Thanks in advance, Dave
Answer Dave:
If there is any possibility that you had difficulty reading the inscription, I think I may be able to help you. Two of the Latin words are misplaced. I believe that what is written is the motto of the London butchers:
Worshipful Company of Butchers: Omnia Subiecisti Sub Pedibus, Oves Et Boves (Thou Hast Put All Things Under Man's Feet, All Sheep and Oxen)
If I'm wrong, this is going to drive me crazier than I already am.