Glutinum sermonum: the metaphorical representation of a syntactic function

Abstract

As part of major terminological research of syntactical concepts and definitions from medieval grammars, this paper examines the use of glutinum (as attested in Isidore) and its variant gluten to describe the syntactic relations among parts of speech in the context of medieval scholars’ debate. Gluten and its derivations have followed a route from classical antiquity, initially used in a descriptive and scientific context, to a stratified and increasingly restricted influence. Its use sectorialised in reference to Christian compassion, signifying an indissoluble bond, undoubtedly inspired by Christian faith. Isidore adopted this image and applied it to grammar. This use remained through the Middle Ages. However, in the data acquired, gluten has taken several paths, some of which have been evicted by gluten’s insoluble glue between parts of speech, while others have pursued parallel tracks involving metrics and rhetoric.