Proffer

Proffer
Recorded in various spellings including Proffet, Profit, Proffitt, Prophet, and probably Proffer, this is a 13th century English surname, but one of pre medieval French origins. It was one presumably introduced after the Norman Conquest and Invasion of England in 1066. It has two known possible sources. The first is that it is a metonymic or occupational name for a soothsayer or even a village elder. The derivation being from the pre 7th century Old French word "prophete", meaning one who supposedly speaks with divine knowledge, or one who can predict the future. Secondly it can be a nickname for an actor, one who played the role of a prophet in the famous travelling miracle plays and pageants, so popular in medieval times. An early recording of the surname taken from the ancient charters of England is that of Gunnora Prophete in the Subsidy Tax Rolls of the county of Essex in the year 1327. Examples from the early recordings of the surname in the surviving church registers of the diocese of Greater London from medieval times, are those of Roger Proffer who married Anne Lews at St Margarets Westminster, on December 17th 1571, and the christening of Elizabeth Proffitt on October 12th 1617 at St. James Clerkenwell, . The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William le Profete. This was dated 1220, in the "Curia regis" rolls of the county of Berkshire, during the reign of King Henry 111rd of England, 1216-1272. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

Surnames reference. 2013.

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  • proffer — I verb adduce, advance, advertise, bid, bring forward, donate, extend, give, hold out, invite, lay before, make a bid, make a motion, make an offer, make an overture, make possible, move, offer, prefer, present, promise, promittere, propose,… …   Law dictionary

  • Proffer — Prof fer, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Proffered}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Proffering}.] [OE. profren, proferen, F. prof[ e]rer, fr. L. proferre to bring forth or forward, to offer; pro forward + ferre to bring. See {Bear} to produce.] 1. To offer for… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Proffer — Prof fer, n. 1. An offer made; something proposed for acceptance by another; a tender; as, proffers of peace or friendship. [1913 Webster] He made a proffer to lay down his commission. Clarendon. [1913 Webster] 2. Essay; attempt. [R.] Bacon.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • proffer — [präf′ər] vt. [ME profren < Anglo Fr & OFr proffrir < poroffrir < por , PRO 2 + offrir < VL * offerire, for L offerre, to OFFER] to offer (usually something intangible) [to proffer friendship] n. [ME & Anglo Fr profre < the v.] an… …   English World dictionary

  • proffer — (v.) late 13c., from Anglo Fr. profrier (mid 13c.), O.Fr. poroffrir (c.1080), from por forth (from L. pro ) + offrir to offer, from L. offerre (see OFFER (Cf. offer)). Related: Proffered; proffering …   Etymology dictionary

  • proffer — *offer, tender, present, prefer Analogous words: propose, design, intend: confer, bestow, present, *give Contrasted words: reject, spurn, refuse, *decline …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • proffer — meaning ‘to offer (a gift or service)’, has inflected forms proffered, proffering …   Modern English usage

  • proffer — [v] suggest, offer extend, gift, give, hand, hit on, hold out, make a pitch*, pose, present, propose, proposition, propound, submit, tender, volunteer; concepts 66,67,75 Ant. discourage, dissuade, take back …   New thesaurus

  • proffer — ► VERB ▪ offer for acceptance. ORIGIN Old French proffrir, from Latin pro before + offerre to offer …   English terms dictionary

  • Proffer — To proffer (sometimes profer) means to offer evidence in support of an argument, or elements of an affirmative defense or offense, often at trial. A party with the burden of proof must proffer sufficient evidence to carry that burden.For example …   Wikipedia

  • proffer — 1. noun a) An offer made; something proposed for acceptance by another; a tender; as, proffers of peace or friendship. b) Essay; attempt. 2. verb a) …   Wiktionary

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