The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

BACHELOR

IN THE DAYS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE, THE ANCIENT ROMANS WERE CONTINUALLY
BICKERING WITH THE GAULS, CARTHAGINIANS, AND OTHER YOUNG LADS; SO
THEY WERE ALL DRAFTED INTO THE ROMAN LEGIONS. THIS LEFT ONLY THE
CHILDREN TO SERVE AS COWHERDS. THEY WERE CALLED BACCALARIUS,
FROM BACCA (COW). HOWEVER, WHEN THEY BECAME MARRIED, THIS NAME WAS
DROPPED. IT WAS SHORTENED TO BACHELOR, FOR UNMARRIED BOYS.

Keyword(s): ORIGIN OF WORD

Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR