Elinguated

/ɪˈlɪŋɡweɪtɪd/ adjective

Definition

Having had the tongue removed; tongueless; deprived of speech.

Etymology

From elinguate (verb) + -ed (past participle). Latin e- (out) + lingua (tongue) + -atus (Latin past participle) + -ed (English past participle).

Kelly Says

Medieval texts describe 'elinguated' criminals or defeated enemies—removing someone's tongue was believed to prevent curses and lies, showing how societies have long weaponized the body to control voice.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.