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Where does the word "basilica" come from? It comes from Greek basilikē, and was adopted directly into English (1540s).
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Where does the word "basilica" come from? It comes from Greek basilikē, and was adopted directly into English (1540s).
Basilica’s story begins in Greek: basilikē meant “royal hall.” Greek, from 'basileus', king. It reached English by 1540s as basilica. Roman law courts became the model for early churches. Today, basilica means a large oblong church.
- Stage 1 · Greek · ancient basilikē "royal hall", Greek, from 'basileus', king.
- Stage 2 · English · 1540s basilica "royal hall", Roman law courts became the model for early churches.