‖ stupor mundi
(ˈstuːpɔː ˈmʊndiː, ˈstjuːpɔː ˈmʌndaɪ)
[L. phr.]
The marvel of the world; an object of admiring bewilderment and wonder. Cf. stupor 2 b.
The phrase was originally used by the thirteenth-century historian Matthew Paris to describe the Emperor Frederick II of Germany.
| 1879 Encycl. Brit. IX. 732/2 The general contemporary opinion regarding Frederick II is expressed in the words stupor mundi:.. wonder and perplexity are the predominant sentiments which..[the contemplation of his career] even yet awakens. 1946 R. Lowell Lord Weary's Castle 5 Over the drum-beat of St. Stephen's choir I hear him, Stupor Mundi. 1980 J. A. T. Robinson Roots of Radical ii. 22 What is easier is to preen ourselves on our ‘comprehensiveness’ without realising that it is in every sense a stupor mundi, an object of incredulous disbelief to the world and even our fellow Christians. |