What's a warlock?

[Joy M]

No: HPFGUIDX 27560

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., cynthiaanncoe at h... wrote:
> I formed the mental image that warlock isn't an 
> honorific, nor is it the same as wizard.  I figure it either 
> means "man", whereas witch means "woman" and wizard 
means "person."  
> Or warlock is a polite way of saying "wizard geezer." 
> 
> But then it doesn't make sense that Dumbledore would refer to 
himself 
> as a "geezer" on his business card.  So I guess it must mean "older 
> and accomplished and senior wizard before whom one ought to bow and 
> scrape."
> 

We've had many discussions on the meaning of the word "warlock," and 
the consensus seems to be that it refers to an older, respected 
wizard (as Cynthia suggests) or a wizard (possibly younger, but 
likely older) with some sort of elected or appointed office 
(equivalent to MP, or judge) that commands respect.  I think that the 
word warlock could probably be described as equivalent to the muggle 
word "gentleman," not so much in its traditional use as descriptive 
of a man from the upper classes, but more as a polite, respectful 
descriptor as it is used today.  

Or possibly, it is the equivalent of the title "Don" which is given 
to certain (usually older) men in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian-
speaking countries and regions.  (Well, maybe not so much like the 
way it is used in certain Italian-speaking regions -- I don't think 
Dumbledore is much like Don Corleone.  Now, Lucious Malfoy, OTOH...)

--Doña Joywitch, R.E.A.L.L.O.O.N. and L.O.O.N. founder, S.U.A.V.E. 
founder and possibly only member, HP4GU Contestmeister and Quizziwig, 
HP4GU Curmudgeon-in-Chief and V.O.P. who will point out that if you 
don't understand half the initials after my name that that's the 
point -- they look impressive even though they probably stand for 
something meaningless