octogesimus

Theme for this week: Words from NJCL Convention

maiestas, maiestatis f.

Definition: greatness, dignity, majesty; treason

lex maiestatis = law against treason

Sententia: Pontifex maximus dicit, "Laudemus maiestatem deorum, praecipue Jovis!"

The pontifex maximus says, "Let us praise the greatness of the gods, especially Jupiter!"

Olympia maiestatem conviventiae per ludos ostendunt.

The Olympics demonstrate the majesty of cooperation through games.

This word was found on the vocabulary test for national convention, as the antonym for "pietas." This word particularly struck me because it is so hypocritical. How can anything be both dignity AND treason?? Well, it wouldn't actually be both, but it is strange that the same word can mean two opposite things. And this word was indeed found in Book 12 of Vergil's Aeneid, in that case "majesty" rather than "treason."