Sprimont
Encyclopedia
Sprimont is a municipality
of Belgium
. It lies in the country's Walloon Region and Province of Liege
. On January 1, 2006 Sprimont had a total population of 12,782. The total area is 74.28 km² which gives a population density
of 172 inhabitants per km².
The etymology of Sprimont is debatable. A priori it seems to the name of a place; however some historians propose it is possible it derives from an actual person (Bulletin et annales de l’Academie d’Archeologie de Belgique Tome XXXVIII, Bulletin de la Institute Archeologique Liegeois Tome VII).
Spellings (of Sprimont) may be different depending on (1) the written language, and (2) the time period (i.e. century). Since Sprimont is more than 1,100 years old, one is likely to see various spellings. However, since about 1000 AD, 'Sprimont' seems to be exclusively used. For example, Ernst cites Sprismonte in 888 AD, and Martine & Duraud cites Sprismont in 1049.
In Bulletin de la Institute Archeologique Liegeois Tome VII, further references to Teutonic (Spir-Boum, Spereboum, Sper-Boun) and Frisia are made (Spiri, Spere, Sper), as well as Latin (sorbus). These can translate into more modern words as 'speer,' 'hasta,' and 'lance.'
The consensus is the roots are of Latin origin. The suffix 'mont,' likely is from mons. This could mean either a hill, or mount, but some historians point out that many geographic names with the suffix are not on a hill, but some are even in a valley. This brings into question if 'mount' does indeed mean 'hill.' Another source indicates 'mount' was used in Roman times to indicate a 'way-station' for travelers. This makes sense, but researching ancient roads, then analyzing all geographic places on these roads to cross reference 'mont' would be needed.
As for the prefix of Sprimont, 'spri,' more debate is required, as its origin seems to be lost to antiquity. Ancient written documents (insert reference) indicate several Latin origins; spiris, spers, ... Regardless of the meaning of the root word, one must also consider the usage in the context of the name itself. For example, if it does indeed refer to the species of wood, in those ancient times, what was the connotation? (reference) argues in persuasive ways, that 'spri' means 'lance.'
Concluding the etymology of Sprimont, the active might mean 'Mounted Warrior,' whereas the passive might mean 'Lance of Defense.' This is from mont de Spiris.
D’azur à trois bandes d’argent.
D’argent à la fasce d’azur, accompagnée en chef de trois merlettes de sable, en pointe d’une branche de vigne de deux grappes et deux feuilles de sinople.
D’azur à l’étoile de gueules, au chef d’argent chargé de onze losanges d’or posées 4 – 3 – 4.
The four variants (identifying different family members) are the colors of the charges and backgrounds. The two other variants are: (1) a croix écoutée for those in Namur (rather than a croix engrêlée), and a fleur rather than a pensée; and (2) roses rather than pensée charges for one Ferdinande de Sprimont, abbesse d'Oplinter. Research indicates that all extant instances of this blason are from a single family line descending from Bauldechon de Sprimont dit Presseux; no exceptions have been found. As was the custom in the medieval period, people living on the fief also took its name, just as the land-holders.
These armes are found as primary sources on many tombstones and monuments in Liege and Namur.
Armes de Sprimont of Huy:
During the 17th century, several Sprimont families were in the area of Western Liége and Eastern Namur. Huy, Warnant-Dreye, Noville-les-Bois are examples. Although this secondary source from the famous genealogist and herald (LeFort) was found in the archives, no information as to who bore them has been found.
Municipality
A municipality is essentially an urban administrative division having corporate status and usually powers of self-government. It can also be used to mean the governing body of a municipality. A municipality is a general-purpose administrative subdivision, as opposed to a special-purpose district...
of Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
. It lies in the country's Walloon Region and Province of Liege
Liège (province)
Liège is the easternmost province of Belgium and belongs to the Walloon Region. It is an area of French and German ethnicity. It borders on the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and in Belgium the provinces of Luxembourg, Namur, Walloon Brabant , and those of Flemish Brabant and Limburg . Its...
. On January 1, 2006 Sprimont had a total population of 12,782. The total area is 74.28 km² which gives a population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
of 172 inhabitants per km².
Etymology
Sprimont is an ancient name, whose earliest written records are 855 and 856 AD. These are located in the Abbey de Stavlot.The etymology of Sprimont is debatable. A priori it seems to the name of a place; however some historians propose it is possible it derives from an actual person (Bulletin et annales de l’Academie d’Archeologie de Belgique Tome XXXVIII, Bulletin de la Institute Archeologique Liegeois Tome VII).
Spellings (of Sprimont) may be different depending on (1) the written language, and (2) the time period (i.e. century). Since Sprimont is more than 1,100 years old, one is likely to see various spellings. However, since about 1000 AD, 'Sprimont' seems to be exclusively used. For example, Ernst cites Sprismonte in 888 AD, and Martine & Duraud cites Sprismont in 1049.
In Bulletin de la Institute Archeologique Liegeois Tome VII, further references to Teutonic (Spir-Boum, Spereboum, Sper-Boun) and Frisia are made (Spiri, Spere, Sper), as well as Latin (sorbus). These can translate into more modern words as 'speer,' 'hasta,' and 'lance.'
The consensus is the roots are of Latin origin. The suffix 'mont,' likely is from mons. This could mean either a hill, or mount, but some historians point out that many geographic names with the suffix are not on a hill, but some are even in a valley. This brings into question if 'mount' does indeed mean 'hill.' Another source indicates 'mount' was used in Roman times to indicate a 'way-station' for travelers. This makes sense, but researching ancient roads, then analyzing all geographic places on these roads to cross reference 'mont' would be needed.
As for the prefix of Sprimont, 'spri,' more debate is required, as its origin seems to be lost to antiquity. Ancient written documents (insert reference) indicate several Latin origins; spiris, spers, ... Regardless of the meaning of the root word, one must also consider the usage in the context of the name itself. For example, if it does indeed refer to the species of wood, in those ancient times, what was the connotation? (reference) argues in persuasive ways, that 'spri' means 'lance.'
Concluding the etymology of Sprimont, the active might mean 'Mounted Warrior,' whereas the passive might mean 'Lance of Defense.' This is from mont de Spiris.
The "Other" Sprimont
There is another Sprimont location in the Province of Luxembourg, in the commune of Sainte-Ode, near Amberloup. This is an ancient hamlet, but no research has been done to determine the relationship (if any) between these two place-names. This gives way to (perhaps) separate family lines; one from Liège, the other from Luxembourg. Historical documents from the 19th century speak of Sprimont families in both areas. Also, there are separate blasons for these families. Those from Liége bare one, and have six (documented) variants. There are four distinct blasons in the area of Luxembourg. (These are from secondary sources, with the first one also being augmented by a primary source found carved on a funerary stone.)D’azur à trois bandes d’argent.
D’argent à la fasce d’azur, accompagnée en chef de trois merlettes de sable, en pointe d’une branche de vigne de deux grappes et deux feuilles de sinople.
D’azur à l’étoile de gueules, au chef d’argent chargé de onze losanges d’or posées 4 – 3 – 4.
Family Coats of Arms
Armes des Sprimont of Liége:The four variants (identifying different family members) are the colors of the charges and backgrounds. The two other variants are: (1) a croix écoutée for those in Namur (rather than a croix engrêlée), and a fleur rather than a pensée; and (2) roses rather than pensée charges for one Ferdinande de Sprimont, abbesse d'Oplinter. Research indicates that all extant instances of this blason are from a single family line descending from Bauldechon de Sprimont dit Presseux; no exceptions have been found. As was the custom in the medieval period, people living on the fief also took its name, just as the land-holders.
These armes are found as primary sources on many tombstones and monuments in Liege and Namur.
Armes de Sprimont of Huy:
During the 17th century, several Sprimont families were in the area of Western Liége and Eastern Namur. Huy, Warnant-Dreye, Noville-les-Bois are examples. Although this secondary source from the famous genealogist and herald (LeFort) was found in the archives, no information as to who bore them has been found.