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Within the field of historical lexicography, the study of old occupational terms and societal roles offers a unique lens through which we can improve our understanding of the evolution of language and its reflection on dynamics relating to a given cultural context. This paper offers a semantic analysis of the terms used to describe various occupations, focusing on sorcerers and magicians in the Estonian lexicographical tradition from the 17th to the 18th century. This period marks Estonia’s earliest stage of dictionary culture. The significance of examining words within this category is their ability to provide an understanding of societal roles, beliefs, and semantic changes over time. Although numerous job titles have remained primarily unaltered, we can also observe interesting modifications in morphology (such as the use of deverbal causatives) and semantics. This can be illustrated with the case of õppija (derived from the verb õppima), which used to mean both ‘student’ and ‘(Lutheran) minister; teacher’ for almost a century, before the causative õpetama ‘to teach’ gave the noun õpetaja ‘(Lutheran) minister; teacher’ and õppija came to be used only in the meaning ‘student’ (Jürviste, 2023). Occupational titles not only indicate the professions and social status of individuals but also reflect the societal values and hierarchies of the time. Similarly, the terminology used to describe sorcerers and magicians can reveal much about the cultural and social attitudes towards esoteric and traditional knowledge. We intend to examine these terms’ nuanced meanings, origins, and historical development through lexical semantics, illustrating the findings with specific examples. Our methodology involves pprox. the vocabulary in six dictionaries published in the 17th and 18th centuries containing the Estonian language (Stahl, 1637; Gutslaff, 1648; Göseken, 1660; Vestring, 1998 [1710–1730]; Helle, 1732; Hupel, 1780; Hupel, 1818). This analysis is complemented by a review of later terms and their usage in contemporary texts. Significant lexical findings were made by later folklorists who studied dialects, including the terms of sorcery. The study covers approximately one hundred terms, although a narrower focus is given to a smaller set of examples. Categorising these terms into semantic fields, tracing their etymological roots, and examining their contextual usage can help identify patterns of semantic shifts, societal attitudes, and the influence of external factors such as religious, cultural, and linguistic contacts. More specifically, we will investigate the possibility of pprox. those terms with the help of componential analysis and prototype theory (as described in Geeraerts, 2010). Can we draw semantic borders within terms that may not – perhaps – allow such pprox.ng? It is worth noting that the study of terms related to sorcerers and magicians holds significance beyond mere academic curiosity. The paper offers valuable insight into the intricate relationship between language, culture, and society, particularly regarding how individuals interact with the mystical and unknown. The disparities between the 17th and 18th centuries were noteworthy in this field. Furthermore, this research contributes to the field of historical lexicography by showcasing the dynamic nature of language and its capacity to adjust to evolving societal norms and values. By comprehending the semantic evolution of these terms, a deeper understanding of the cultural and social fabric of Estonian society during the 17th and 18th centuries can be gained. This research enriches knowledge about Estonian lexicography and contributes to broader discussions on the relationship between language, society, and culture.
