The changing face of Austerity

[Austeritynerd]

The Merriam-Webster online dictionary voted 'Austerity' as its' Word of the Year in 2010, stating that it has been around since the 14th century. I found this incredible, yet difficult to track down its evolution since then.


I wonder what Austerity meant in the 14th century?
Did it evolve with each new century?
What did Austerity mean prior to the 2008 global financial crisis?
What did it mean after 2008?
Has it once again evolved 5 years after the crisis?

Opinions very much appreciated.

 

[editec]

You found it incredible that the word austere has been around for a long long time?

Why?

aus·tere
/ôˈsti(&#601r/
Adjective
Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance: "an austere man with a puritanical outlook".
(of living conditions or a way of life) Having no comforts or luxuries; harsh or ascetic.
Synonyms
severe - stern - strict - rigorous - stringent - rigid

Oh and incidently...when the dictionary tells you the word has been around since the 14th century?

All that really means is that the word was first found IN PRINT at that time.

the word AUSTERE has probably been around longer than ENGLISH has been around

In LATIN the word is Austerus