The monkey house
I should have added in this morning’s post that primate also derives from the Latin primus (first) and primas (of first rank). The term in biology speaks to our species-centric belief (or vanity) that we and the species most closely related to us are of the first rank.
A primate is also, in theological terms, a first among equals, such as bishops. So a reference to an Anglican primate does not necessarily identify a great ape.
Comments
Word origins rule. Who would have guessed that trousers and torture are derived from the same word?
http://scottrhoades.com/wordpress/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=151
Posted by: Scott Rhoades | October 20, 2008 7:50 PM
Getting my word of the day from dictionary.com is always fun - especially the etymology.
Posted by: bryanintimonium | October 21, 2008 10:35 AM
I don't feel that I need to apologize for thinking that *my* species is of the first rank.
I know that my cat holds a similar, contrasting belief, and SHE is certain unapologetic about it.
Posted by: Talley Sue Hohlfeld | October 21, 2008 11:37 AM
JMc - have you ever had monkey bread?
Posted by: Bourbon Girl | October 23, 2008 12:41 AM