The Latin expression "nescio quis" has the potential meaning "somebody or other." It's often used in a contemptuous manner.
"Nescio quo pacto" denotes "in some way or other." Bennett's New Latin Grammar gives these examples:
Nescio quis forms a compound indefinite pronoun with the force of some one or other; as,—
causidicus nescio quis, some pettifogger or other;
mīsit nescio quem, he sent some one or other;
nescio quō pactō, somehow or other.
See https://www.thelatinlibrary.com/bennett.html
Non nullus can be translated "not none," "some" or "several" (plural use).
Matthew 26:70 (Vulgate): at ille negavit coram omnibus dicens nescio quid dicis
Of course, in this passage, we have nescio, which is a 1st person verb.
Sporadic theological and historical musings by Edgar Foster (Ph.D. in Theology and Religious Studies and one of Jehovah's Witnesses).
Thursday, August 22, 2024
Nescio Quis: A Little Latin for the Day
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