Sense file
How the sense moved
The archive follows the dated record first, then reads the social or rhetorical pressure that hardened, softened, narrowed, or reversed the word.
Older meaning
A tutelary spirit, generative power, or guiding presence.
Modern meaning
Exceptional intelligence, creativity, or talent.
Research lens
A powerful archive example because the older spirit does not vanish so much as move inward and become talent.
Meaning trail
Root
guiding or generative spirit
The early word belongs to supernatural accompaniment.
Older sense
attendant spirit
The quality was external before it became personal ability.
Now
extraordinary talent
The spirit was folded into the person.