Fiscus
/ˈfɪskəs/noun
A treasury or public revenue fund, especially the treasury of the Roman emperor.
Did you know?In imperial Rome, the fiscus was distinguished from the aerarium, the older Senate-controlled treasury, placing imperial finances under the emperor’s direct authority.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
fiscus
“A basket, money-bag, or purse; later, a treasury or fund.”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
fiscus Caesaris
“The emperor’s treasury or financial fund, contrasted with the Senate’s public treasury.”
Late Latin
Latin
confiscare
“To seize property for the fiscus, forming the source of English “confiscate.””
Medieval Latin
Latin
fiscus
“A treasury, royal or ecclesiastical revenue fund, or public financial administration.”
17th Century
English
fiscus
“A treasury or public revenue fund, borrowed directly from Latin.”
Modern English
English
fiscus
“A treasury, especially the public finances or revenue system of a state.”
Explore more surprising origins