inkhorn

1 of 2

noun

ink·​horn ˈiŋk-ˌhȯrn 

: a small portable bottle (as of horn) for holding ink

inkhorn

2 of 2

adjective

: ostentatiously learned : pedantic

inkhorn terms

Did you know?

Picture an ancient scribe, pen in hand, a small ink bottle made from an animal's horn strapped to his belt, ready to record the great events of history. In 14th-century England, such ink bottles were dubbed (not surprisingly) inkhorns. During the Renaissance, learned writers often borrowed words from Latin and Greek, eschewing vulgar English alternatives. But in the 16th century, some scholars argued for the use of native terms over Latinate forms, and a lively intellectual debate over the merits of each began. Those who favored English branded what they considered ostentatious Latinisms "inkhorn terms" after the bottles carried by scholars, and since then we have used inkhorn as an adjective for Latinate or pretentious language.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1543, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

inkhorn

noun

ink·​horn

ˈiŋk-ˌhȯ(ə)rn

: a portable container for ink