What Is the Meaning of the Greek Word Ethiope?

Two modern Ethiopes; Ethiopians

Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary says Ethiope means an inhabitant or native of Ethiopia--an Ethiopian. Homer, the Greek author of the Illiad, mentioned Ethiopians as people living in the far east and far west (see reference 1).

Eytmology

Ethiope comes originally from the Greek "Aithiops" and the Latin "Aethiops," according to Webster. It is considered Middle English, via Anglo-French.

Mythical

Webster also defines Ethiope as, "a member of the mythical or actual peoples usually described by the Ancient Greeks as dark-skinned and living far to the south."

Archaic

The word has a third, archaic, meaning--a black person, says Webster.

Shakespeare

Shakespeare used the word in Romeo and Juliet:
"It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night,
Like a rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear."

Example

An example of its use in Middle English, about the Three Wise Men of the Christmas story is: "In Ethiope is the cytee of Saba; and the lond, of the whiche one of the 3 kynges, that presented oure Lord in Bethleem was kyng offe." (See Reference 2)

References

• Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary
• Wordnik on Ethiope
• Websters' New College Dictionary