Medieval

Pronunciation

• UK
• US IPA: /mɪd.ˈi.vÉ™l/

Alternative forms

• mediaeval, mediæval non-contemporary, medireview autocorrected misspelling

Origin

Latin, medium ("middle") aevum ("age")

Full definition of medieval

Adjective

1. of or relating to the Middle Ages, perhaps circa 500 to circa 1500 CE.
2. having characteristics associated with the Middle Ages.
3. Archaic.
4. Brutal.
• 1969, Mar 24, Brute force can get you into any apartment if you want to get medieval about it.
• 2003, Robert Ludlum, The Janson Directive, "Oh, what a nifty idea," Collins said dryly. "Get a bunch of angry brothers with a blowtorch and some pliers and get medieval on his ass."

Derived terms

• medievaldom
• medievalism
• medievalist
• medievalize
• medireview

Noun

1. Someone living in the Middle Ages.
2. A medieval one.
• Thank God for modern remedies, the medievals were often useless or even harmful.