Haberi + passive perfect participle

Abstract

This paper examines sequences of passive forms of the verb habere with the passive perfect participle in Late Latin texts from the 6th to 8th centuries. The passive verb haberi + participle can have various meanings ranging from resultativity and a focus on previous action, to a meaning equivalent to esse. Its use is marked by variability and ambiguity. Factors that could influence the interpretation of individual instances are also examined. Context seems to be of great importance. It is suggested that the use of haberi may have been influenced also by the spread of habere and the development of its meaning, the development of the impersonal habet and grammaticalization of habere + passive perfect participle that was under way at that time.