Bachelor

Question

Why is a university degree called 'bachelor'? I am asking becuase the meaning of bachelor is someone who is unmarried, so what does this meaning have to do with a college degree?|!

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Consider this entry from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=bachelor&searchmode=none

bachelor

c.1300, "youthful knight, novice in arms," from O.Fr. bacheler (11c.) "knight bachelor," a young squire in training for knighthood, probably from M.L. baccalarius "vassal farmer," one who helps or tends a baccalaria "section of land." Or from L. baculum "a stick," since the squire would practice with a staff, not a sword. Meaning evolved 14c. from "knight in training" to "junior member of a guild or university" to "unmarried man" (late 14c.), an evolution that paralleled the word's development in French.

As you can see, the meaning of 'a novice' predates the meaning of 'unmarried'.

A 'bachelor' degree is traditionally the first degree in the training of a novice scholar.

Clive

AH020387 · Answer

Thanks

AH020387 · Answer

Is there any other etymology dictionary website that you know of?

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Only if I try a Google search.

Clive

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