eunuch
UK[ˈjuːnək]US[ˈjuːnək]
n
a man who has been castrated, especially one employed to guard a harem in some former Asian courts.
n
(by extension) an ineffectual person, especially a man who lacks power or influence.
Morpheme Breakdown
eu
nuch
eu
good
nuch
marriage/bed
Etymology
the word 'eunuch' originates from the greek 'eunoukhos', literally meaning 'bed-keeper' or 'guardian of the bed', from 'eunē' (bed) and '-okhos' (having, keeping). this term was applied to castrated men who were entrusted with guarding the women's quarters in ancient near eastern and asian courts. the literal sense of 'good bed-keeper' evolved into the specific meaning of a castrated male servant, as their condition was seen to ensure their loyalty and suitability for such a role. over time, the term acquired a figurative sense denoting an ineffectual or powerless man, reflecting the perceived lack of agency associated with the historical role.
Analysis
Structure: eu (good) + nuch (marriage/bed)
eu- (from greek, meaning 'good, well'), -nuch (from greek 'nouchē', related to 'nē', meaning 'marriage bed').
Examples
in the byzantine empire, eunuchs often held significant administrative and courtly power.
he was dismissed as a mere eunuch in the corporate hierarchy, with a title but no real authority.
historical accounts describe the intricate social roles of eunuchs within the ottoman palace.