norton

norton — noun

1. the American writer and teacher Charles Eliot Norton (1827–1908), who helped est

1.noun
Definition

the American writer and teacher Charles Eliot Norton (1827–1908), who helped establish the study of art history and literature at Harvard University and was known for his translations of Dante's works.

Example

Feng wrote her term paper on Charles Eliot Norton's influence on American art criticism.

surname used with full name in academic context

The Norton professorship at Harvard has been held by several famous poets.

Usage Note

This reference is almost always used with the full name 'Charles Eliot Norton' in formal writing; the surname alone may be used in context where the person has already been mentioned.

2. the English lawyer and poet Thomas Norton (1532–1584), who co-wrote the tragedy

2.noun
Definition

the English lawyer and poet Thomas Norton (1532–1584), who co-wrote the tragedy *Gorboduc*, one of the earliest surviving plays written in blank verse in the English language.

Example

Kian compared Thomas Norton's writing style with that of other Tudor poets.

full name used in literary comparison

Norton served as a member of Parliament during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Usage Note

Thomas Norton is chiefly referenced in the study of Elizabethan drama and early English poetry.

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

The surname Norton comes from Old English 'norð' (north) and 'tūn' (enclosure, settlement), meaning 'northern farmstead' or 'north town'. It originally referred to someone who lived at or near a northern settlement. Over time it became a common English surname carried by several notable historical figures, including the two literary figures recorded here.