Lombard

Definition

A member of a Germanic people who invaded Italy in the 6th century.

Etymology

From Middle English Lombard, Lumbard, borrowed from Old French Lombard, Lombart (“a Lombard”), from Late Latin langobardus, longobardus (“a Lombard”), from Germanic, derived from the Proto-Germanic *langabardaz from elements *langaz + *bardaz; equivalent to long + beard. Some sources derive the second element instead from Proto-Germanic *bardǭ, *barduz (“axe”), related to German Barte (“axe”). Doublet of Langobard and longbeard. Compare with Old English Langbeardas (“Lombards”).

Example Sentences

• "a Lombard unto this day signifying a bank for usury or pawns"