Comments on evolving and devolving genealogical terminology

 

As both a genealogist and a linguist, the terminology of genealogy presents a fascinating study in linguistic evolution and functional shifts. The concepts of "evolving" and "devolving" are useful lenses to analyze changes in the language used to describe kinship and record-keeping. As we research back in time, it is inevitable that we will encounter archaic terminology both in the records we use for research and in the commonly used jargon of genealogy itself. 

The most obvious devolving terminology has to do with paper. Two terms have almost disappeared: Pedigree Chart and Family Group Record. This has happened notwithstanding the pervasive influence these two paper forms have had on the online genealogy programs. A family tree on a major genealogy record website still looks very similar to a paper genealogy form. The evolution of online forms must still conform to the reality of the basic family structure. What is generally missing, however, is an international focus. The online forms, like the paper ones, are still mired in the Western European world view and are inadequate for representing non-european cultures. Here is a list of a few of the devolving terms.

These terms describe familial relationships, often with a precision (or a lack of it) that differs from modern usage.

Archaic Term	Meaning in Historical Context	Modern Equivalent/Notes
Relict	A widow; the one "left behind" after a spouse's death.	Widow/Widower
Consort	A spouse; commonly used in historical records to denote the living wife of a husband.	Spouse (Wife)
Base-Born	A child born out of wedlock.	Born out of wedlock (Illegitimate)
Née (or Nee)	French for "born," used to indicate a woman's maiden surname (e.g., Jane Smith née Jones).	Maiden Name
Issue	Children, offspring, or descendants.	Children/Offspring
Brother-in-Law / Sister-in-Law	Historically, could refer to a wide range of relationships, including a step-sibling or half-sibling.	Step-sibling, Half-sibling, or Spouse's sibling
Infant	A person under the age of legal majority (which was historically 21).	Minor (Underage Person)
Cousin	Very broadly used to mean any collateral kinsman (any relative outside the direct line), not just a first cousin.	Relative/Kinsman
Foster-Child	Historically, could mean an adopted child or even a stepchild (one who is "fed and nurtured" by the family).	Adopted Child/Stepchild

If you are not aware of the meaning of these archaic terms, you are probably having difficulty reading and interpreting genealogically valuable records.

Legal terms, as they are used in genealogically important records are extremely constant, but the advent of the computer world has begun to undermine the terminology. I have seen many of the historic legal terms vanish from current case law. Here are some of the terms that have dropped into obscurity. 

These are vital for interpreting wills, administration bonds, and land records, as they relate to property, death, and legal status.

Archaic Term	Meaning in Historical Context	Modern Equivalent/Notes
Intestate	A person who died without having left a legal will.	Died without a Will
Testator / Testatrix	The person who made a valid will (male / female).	Will-Maker
Decedent	The person who has died.	Deceased Person
Dower	The portion of a deceased husband's real estate to which his widow was legally entitled for her lifetime.	Widow's Real Estate Share
Curtesy	The common law right of a surviving husband to his deceased wife's real property, provided they had children.	Widower's Property Right
Devise / Devisee	A gift of real property (land or a house) in a will / the person who receives it.	Bequest of Real Estate
Bequest / Legatee	A gift of personal property (money, goods) in a will / the person who receives it.	Bequest of Personal Property
Executor / Executrix	The person (male / female) named in a will to carry out its terms.	Estate Administrator
Grantor / Grantee	The person who sells/gives the property / the person who receives the property (in a deed).	Seller / Buyer

Again, a lack of understanding of these terms can hinder genealogical research. 

In addition, the use of Latin abbreviations has also entirely disappeared. Here are some of the most historically common abbreviations. 

These are frequently found in old diaries, newspaper obituaries, and record transcripts.

Archaic Term	Full Meaning (Latin)	Modern Equivalent/Notes
Ibid.	(Ibidem) - "In the same place."	Used in citations to mean the source is the same as the one immediately preceding.
Inst.	(Instante mense) - "Of the current month."	"The 5th inst." on June 10th means June 5th.
Prox.	(Proximo mense) - "Of the next month."	"The 5th prox." on June 10th means July 5th.
Ult.	(Ultimo mense) - "Of the last month."	"The 5th ult." on June 10th means May 5th.
d.s.p.	(Decessit sine prole) - "Died without issue."	Died without children.
d.s.p.l.	(Decessit sine prole legitima) - "Died without lawful issue."	Died without legitimate children.
Aet. / Aetat.	(Aetatis) - "Of age."	Used to indicate age at death (e.g., Aet. 45 means age 45).

Fortunately, there are books that list the archaic terms. Here is a short list of some of the most valuable books. 

Drake, Paul. What Did They Mean by That?: A Dictionary of Historical and Genealogical Terms Old and New. Heritage Books, 2013.

Evans, Barbara Jean. A to Zax: A Comprehensive Dictionary for Genealogists & Historians. 3rd ed. Hearthside Press, 1995.

Harris, Maurine, and Glen Harris. Ancestry’s Concise Genealogical Dictionary. Ancestry Publishing, 1989. http://catdir.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy1206/89006502-d.html.

Jerger, Jeanette L. A Medical Miscellany for Genealogists. Heritage Books, 1995.

Mills, Elizabeth Shown. Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace. Third edition revised. Genealogical Publishing Company, 2017.

Fortunately, the current AI Chatbots can easily explain almost any of the archaic terms.