wiecznik

Wiecznik is a Polish term that can refer to several different things, depending on context. Etymology: the word is formed from wieczór meaning “evening” with the suffix -nik, yielding a noun that historically could denote a thing connected with the evening or night.

Uses in geography and onomastics: In Polish toponymy and onomastics, Wiecznik functions as a place name and as a surname. There are instances of Wiecznik used as a geographic designation, and it also appears as a family name of Polish origin. The precise details (locations, family lines) vary by case and source.

Other historical and regional senses: In older or regional Polish, wiecznik has occasionally been used to denote an object or device associated with the evening. This sense is not common in modern standard Polish, where the more familiar term for a candlestick is świecznik. Because references to wiecznik in contemporary writing are usually literary, historical, or genealogical, the word’s everyday meaning is limited.

See also: wieczór; świecznik; list of places named Wiecznik.