[TheForge] Blacksmith -Farrier Yak?

[Dave Brown]

At 22:44 09/07/03 -0400, you wrote:on words.

>Blacksmith is Middle English, I believe- not sure of the initial=
 derivation-
>German for black is "Schwarz", French is "Noir"- it might go back to one of
>the Celtic languages- I'd likely have to do some research- will if you ask
>me to. Smith looks to be a Germanicly influenced word, "smite" (strike/hit=
 )
>or schmiede (in modern German) as in schmiedehandwerk ( smith's trade/
>wrought iron trade).

Black: Middle English blak, from Old English bl=E6c; akin to Old High German=
=20
blah black.  Date: before 12th century

Smith:  Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German smid=20
smith.  Date: before 12th century


>As far as the time period when the two trades were actually differentiated,
>I don't have a clue.

Probably before the 12th Century.  <educated guess>

Dave Brown
Heritage Smithing
Green Bay, WI
ABANA, UMBA, GoM, MODA, ARG