Magna Carta

:This article follows the usual academic style and refers to the document as "Magna Carta" rather than "the Magna Carta".

Usage and spelling

Since there is no direct, consistent correlate of the English definite article in Latin, the usual academic convention is to refer to the document in English without the article as "Magna Carta" rather than "the Magna Carta". According to the OED, the first written appearance of the term was in 1218: "Concesserimus libertates quasdam scriptas in magna carta nostra de libertatibus." (Latin: "We concede the liberties here written in our great charter of liberties.") However, "the Magna Carta" is also frequently used. In the past, the document has also been referred to as "Magna Charta".

Related Topics:
English - Definite article - Latin - OED - 1218

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