Bicocca
/bɪˈkɒkə/noun
A small fortified place or hill, especially in historical references to the Italian locality of Bicocca.
Did you know?The 1522 Battle of Bicocca, near Milan, helped demonstrate the devastating power of arquebuses against traditional armored cavalry.
Etymological Timeline
Medieval period
Italian
bicocca
“A small fortified place, outpost, or modest hilltop stronghold; the ultimate origin is uncertain.”
14th–15th Century
Italian
Bicocca
“A place-name associated with a locality north of Milan.”
1522
Italian
Battaglia della Bicocca
“The Battle of Bicocca, in which imperial troops defeated the French and their Swiss allies.”
16th Century
French
bicoque
“A small fortification or weakly defended place, borrowed from Italian.”
17th–18th Century
English
bicocca
“A rare loanword referring to a small fortification or insignificant stronghold.”
Modern English
English
Bicocca
“Most commonly recognized as the Italian place-name, historical battlefield, or name of institutions and districts in Milan.”
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