Dictionary Definition
cicerone n : a guide who conducts and informs
sightseers [also: ciceroni (pl)]
User Contributed Dictionary
Noun
References
Italian
Noun
- A guide who shows people around tourist sights.
- A know-it-all or smart ass.
Extensive Definition
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).
The word Cicerone (pronounced sis-uh-rohn) has
been chosen to designate those with proven expertise in selecting,
acquiring and serving today’s wide range of beers. The titles
“Certified Cicerone” and “Master Cicerone” are protected
certification trademarks. Only those who have passed the requisite
test of knowledge and tasting skill can call themselves a
Cicerone.
External links
- Cicerone Guide Books A UK based publisher of over 260 award-winning guide books for walking, trekking, cycling and mountaineering covering the UK, Europe and worldwide. Cicerone also publish a range and outdoor skills and techniques guides.
- http://www.cicerone.org/ A Chicago based organization. The Cicerone Certification Program seeks to improve beer quality by certifying the knowledge and tasting skills of those who sell and serve beer.
- Cicerone UA Virtual visit to the University of Alicante
cicerone in Spanish: Cicerone