traditor

This entry examines the Latin noun traditor , tracing its semantic development from the classical period to Late Antiquity. Already in classical Latin, the term preserves the dual meaning of trado (‘to hand over’ and ‘to betray’). In Christian literature, from Tertullian onwards, it is used primarily in reference to Judas and later acquires a technical sense, referring to bishops who, during the persecutions, handed over sacred books. In the context of the Donatist controversy, the term is further extended and becomes a more general polemical accusation of betrayal of the faith.