Pronounced: VIZ-uhrd, noun
Notes: Also spelled “visard”, this is not “wizard” misspelled
Yesterday’s word
The word cicerone is
- a guide who conducts sightseers
- mentor; tutor
First usage
Our word came into English in the mid-1700s
Background / Comments
When I saw our word, I thought of the Roman named “Cicero” – rather to my surprise, that is the correct origin of our word: he was known in Rome as a statesman, lawyer, and writer. Today, he is remembered for his skill in oration and as a rhetorician – his style placed emphasis on the rhythms and cadences of phrases and sentences, so that the speech would appeal to the audience. It is thought that his eloquence is why his Italian name – Cicerone – was used to refer to sightseeing guides (also known for their eloquence). In time, this because our word for people who are mentors or tutors to others.
Richard's Vocabulary Word-of-the-Day 