The Etymology of 'O’Clock': From Medieval to Modern Usage
When we say '7 o’clock', it's a convenient way to reference time on a clock rather than the solar time. The use of 'o’clock' has a rich history, tracing back to the medieval era and evolving with the advent of timekeeping devices.
Understanding the Origin
The expression 'o’ clock' was utilized to distinguish the time shown on a clock from solar time or even earlier timekeeping methods such as sundials. This usage dates back as early as the fourteenth century when townspeople would announce the hour through a town crier, relying on sundials or hourglasses to do so.
A Historical Perspective
Who knew that the simple phrase 'o’clock' had such a complex history? Contrary to simplistic assumptions, the term didn't just pop up out of nowhere. Instead, it evolved from earlier phrases that reflected sophisticated methods of keeping time during the pre-clocks era.
In medieval towns, the concept of time was often dictated by religious and civic duties. Town criers, whose duties included announcing significant events and hours of the day, would announce the hour based on the position of the sun on a sundial or the hourglass. For instance, a town crier might have announced, 'It is the sixth hour of the day.'
Transition to Modern Language
As mechanical clocks began to spread in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the phrase 'of the clock' became increasingly common. However, the word 'of' was often contracted, leading to 'oclock'. This contraction is a prime example of how language evolves from practical necessity. 'Of the clock' was first attested as far back as the late fourteenth century, evolving into a simpler form over time.
Conclusion
The evolution of 'o’clock' showcases the dynamic nature of language. It reflects not only the changing technology of timekeeping but also the linguistic adaptation over centuries. From the linguistic roots in medieval times to the present day, 'o’clock' continues to serve as a convenient and universally understood term for hours on the clock.