Hi, I was wondering if I could get a little help in understanding two professions that I have come across in my Caccuri research.

The first is civile. I have looked this up in two sources that describe the profession as a non-noble land owner. I am wondering if the word was used to describe anything else. I have seen this profession listed on a Caccuri record for a woman whose husband was a shoe-maker. I have also seen this profession listed for a woman whose husband was a contadino. My great-great-great grandfather was a contadino but his sister is listed on one document from 1815 as a civile and another document in 1823 as a contadina. I find this very confusing. Does anyone know more about the word civile? Must it always imply land ownership?

Also, I have seen a profession that I believe might be spelled forese. I have no idea what this is. I have seen it for both women and men. I can't seem to find a definition for it anywhere. Perhaps I am reading it wrong. Any ideas on forese?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Donna

Have I stumped the forum?

I've also seen "civile" which literally means civilian...
As for "forese" it should be equivalent of "contadino"

Thank you, Livio, your dictionary is much better than mine. So it sounds like a forése is like a farmer who lives somewhere outside the walled citadella. Makes sense.

Donna