auxilium

Auxilium is a Latin noun meaning help, aid, or assistance. It is neuter and belongs to the second declension. The singular forms are nominative auxilium, genitive auxilii, dative auxilio, accusative auxilium, and ablative auxilio. The plural forms are nominative auxilia, genitive auxiliarum, dative and ablative auxiliis, and accusative auxilia. The English word auxiliary derives from this root, reflecting the sense of providing aid or support.

In classical Latin, auxilium denotes general aid or support. In military contexts, the term auxilia referred to non-citizen troops recruited to supplement the Roman legions. These auxiliary forces often supplied specialized arms or skills and operated under Roman command; after service some members could receive Roman citizenship.

In religious and ecclesiastical Latin, auxilium appears in devotional and titular phrases expressing the concept of divine or intercessory help. A well-known example is Maria Auxiliatrix, or Mary, Help of Christians, a title used in Catholic devotion. The Italian form Maria Ausiliatrice is widely used for Marian devotion and for churches and institutions associated with this title, including the famous basilica in Turin established by Don Bosco.

Today, auxilium remains a common Latin term for aid or assistance and appears in historical, liturgical, and legal Latin texts. Its usage spans everyday meaning of help to specialized contexts such as military auxilia or religious titles.