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Pfaffe. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
Pfaffe, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
Pfaffe in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
Pfaffe you have here. The definition of the word
Pfaffe will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
Pfaffe, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
German
Etymology
From Middle High German pfaffe, from Old High German pfaffo, phaffo, an early borrowing from Gothic 𐍀𐌰𐍀𐌰 (papa) demonstrating the effects of the High German consonant shift, from Ancient Greek πάπας (pápas).[1] Cognate to Dutch paap. Doublet of Papst.
Pronunciation
Noun
Pfaffe m (weak, genitive Pfaffen, plural Pfaffen)
- (now derogatory) cleric, clergyman
- Synonyms: Geistlicher, Kleriker
Usage notes
The term was originally neutral, but since about the time of the Reformation it ceased to be used with any positive tone; usage today is derogatory.
Declension
Derived terms
References
- ^ Dennis Green, Language and History in the Early Germanic World (Cambridge 1998) p. 309
Further reading
- “Pfaffe” in Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache
- “Pfaffe” in Duden online