Cicerone

For the UK guidebook publisher, see Cicerone (publisher).

Cicerone is an old term for a guide, one who conducts visitors and sightseers to museums, galleries, etc., and explains matters of archaeological, antiquarian, historic or artistic interest. The word is presumably taken from Marcus Tullius Cicero, as a type of learning and eloquence. The New English Dictionary finds examples of the use earlier in English than Italian, the earliest quotation being from Joseph Addison's Dialogue on Medals (published posthumously 1726). It appears that the word was first applied to learned antiquarians who show and explain to foreigners the antiquities and curiosities of the country (quotation of 1762 in the New English Dictionary).

An alternate use of the word is as it pertains to beer. The Cicerone(R) Certification Program, run by Ray Daniels, offers professional credentials for those who sell and serve beer. The second level certification offered is Certified Cicerone(R).

See also

• Bear-leader
• docent

References

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.