Orbus
/ˈɔːr.bəs/noun
A rare noun meaning a person deprived of parents or otherwise bereaved.
Did you know?Latin *orbus* could mean not only orphaned but also deprived of something essential, including sight—its root is linked to the ancient idea of loss or lack.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*orbʰo-
“Bereft, deprived, or orphaned; a person lacking parental protection.”
Proto-Italic
PIE/Italic
*orβos
“Deprived or bereaved; developing from the Indo-European root of loss.”
Classical Latin
Latin
orbus
“Bereft, orphaned, childless, or deprived; also used of blindness or lacking sight.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
orbus
“An orphan or a person deprived of parents or protection.”
17th–18th Century
English
orbus
“A rare learned noun for an orphan or bereaved person.”
Modern English
English
orbus
“An obsolete or very rare term meaning an orphan or bereaved person.”