# Charles du Fresne, sieur du Cange

> French philologist (1610–1688)

**Wikidata**: [Q442240](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q442240)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_du_Fresne,_sieur_du_Cange)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/charles-du-fresne-sieur-du-cange

## Summary
Charles du Fresne, sieur du Cange was a French philologist, lexicographer, grammarian, and lawyer who lived from 1610 to 1688. He is best known for his monumental work *Glossarium Medii Aevi Latinæ Lingvæ* (1678), a comprehensive Latin dictionary that remains a foundational reference in linguistic studies.

## Biography
- Born: 1610 (exact location not specified)
- Nationality: French
- Education: Studied at the Collège de Navarre (now part of the Sorbonne)
- Known for: Compiling *Glossarium Medii Aevi Latinæ Lingvæ*, a major Latin dictionary
- Employer(s): Practiced law, though his primary focus was scholarly work
- Field(s): Philology, lexicography, grammar, law

## Contributions
- **Glossarium Medii Aevi Latinæ Lingvæ (1678)**: A comprehensive Latin dictionary covering medieval Latin, including etymologies, synonyms, and usage examples. This work became a standard reference in linguistic studies and remains influential today.
- **Legal and Scholarly Works**: Published numerous legal and grammatical treatises, though his lexicographical work is his most enduring contribution.

## FAQs
**What was Charles du Fresne, sieur du Cange’s most famous work?**
His most famous work was *Glossarium Medii Aevi Latinæ Lingvæ* (1678), a Latin dictionary that remains a key resource in linguistic studies.

**Where did Charles du Fresne, sieur du Cange study?**
He studied at the Collège de Navarre, which is now part of the Sorbonne.

**Was Charles du Fresne, sieur du Cange a lawyer?**
Yes, he practiced law, but his primary focus was on philology and lexicography.

**What languages did his work focus on?**
His work primarily focused on Latin, particularly medieval Latin.

## Why They Matter
Charles du Fresne, sieur du Cange’s *Glossarium Medii Aevi Latinæ Lingvæ* remains a foundational text in the study of medieval Latin. His dictionary provided scholars with a comprehensive tool for understanding medieval Latin etymologies, synonyms, and usage, which has influenced linguistic research for centuries. His work laid the groundwork for modern lexicography and continues to be referenced in academic and historical studies.

## Notable For
- **Foundational Latin Dictionary**: *Glossarium Medii Aevi Latinæ Lingvæ* (1678) is considered one of the most important Latin dictionaries of the medieval period.
- **Philological Contributions**: His work in lexicography and grammar significantly advanced the field of medieval Latin studies.
- **Legal Scholar**: Practiced law, contributing to legal scholarship alongside his philological work.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Charles du Fresne, sieur du Cange was born in 1610. He received his education at the Collège de Navarre, which is now part of the Sorbonne. His early studies laid the foundation for his future work in philology and law.

### Scholarly Career
Du Cange’s primary focus was on lexicography and grammar. He compiled *Glossarium Medii Aevi Latinæ Lingvæ* (1678), a comprehensive Latin dictionary covering medieval Latin. This work included etymologies, synonyms, and usage examples, making it a vital resource for scholars.

### Legal Practice
In addition to his scholarly work, Du Cange practiced law. His legal expertise complemented his philological contributions, reflecting his broad intellectual interests.

### Legacy
Du Cange’s *Glossarium Medii Aevi Latinæ Lingvæ* remains a cornerstone of medieval Latin studies. His work has been referenced and built upon by generations of scholars, ensuring its lasting impact on the field of linguistics. His contributions to both law and philology have left a lasting legacy in their respective disciplines.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Biographie universelle ancienne et moderne
4. Biographie universelle ancienne et moderne (2nd edition, 1843-1865)
5. Library of the World's Best Literature
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
10. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
11. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
12. Roglo
13. Proleksis Encyclopedia
14. Croatian Encyclopedia
15. FINA Wiki
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. general catalog of BnF
18. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Du%20Cange%20Charles)
19. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index3.html)
20. CONOR.SI
21. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
22. Enciclopedia Treccani
23. [Source](http://www.maru.firenze.sbn.it/MareMagnum/mare_magnum.htm)
24. LIBRIS. 2012