septentrion

[ sep-ten-tree-on, -uhn ]

noun

1. Obsolete. the north.

septentrion

/ sɛpˈtɛntrɪˌɒn /

noun

1. archaic.
   the northern regions or the north

Derived Forms

• sepˈtentrional, adjective

Other Words From

• sep·ten·tri·o·nal [sep-, ten, -tree-, uh, -nl], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of septentrion¹

1350–1400; Middle English Septemtrio ( u ) n < Latin septemtriōnēs, septentriōnēs the seven stars of Ursa Major, the north, equivalent to septem seven + triōnēs (plural) plowing oxen

Word History and Origins

Origin of septentrion¹

C14: from Latin septentriōnēs, literally: the seven ploughing oxen (the constellation of the Great Bear), from septem seven + triōnēs ploughing oxen

Example Sentences

At the top were these words: Salum regionum septentrion; and at the foot, Hoste ad Saratogam in deditione accepto.

From Project Gutenberg

From the Latin word trio (ox of labor) has come septentrion, the seven oxen.

From Project Gutenberg

Vna que por la parte que mira al Septentrion, atrae el hierro, por lo quel se llama magnes ferrugineus.

From Project Gutenberg

And therefore in the Septentrion, that is very north, is the land so cold, that no man may dwell there.

From Project Gutenberg