Editing Turncoat (section)

==Historical context==
Even in a modern historical context "turncoat" is often synonymous with the term "[[wikt: renegade|renegade]]", a term of religious origins having its origins in the [[Latin language|Latin]] word ''"renegare"'' (to deny). Historical currents of great magnitude have periodically caught masses of people, along with their leaders, in their wake. In such a dire situation, new perspectives on past actions are laid bare and the question of personal treason becomes muddled. One example would be the situation that led to the [[Act of Abjuration]] or ''Plakkaat van Verlatinghe'', signed on July 26, 1581, in the Netherlands, an instance where changing sides was given a positive meaning.

The first written use of the term meaning was by J. Foxe in ''Actes & Monuments'' in 1570: "One who changes his principles or party; a renegade; an apostate." Cited 1571*<ref>The [[Oxford English Dictionary]] "turncoat, n. and adj." cites "John Foxe · The first volume of the ecclesiastical history containing the actes and monuments of thynges passed..in this realme · Rev. ed., 1570 (2 vols.)."</ref>

"Turncoat" could also have a more literal origin. According to the [[Charter Roll|Rotuli Chartarum]] 1199–1216 two barons changed fealty from [[William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke]],<ref>David Crouch. 2002. William Marshal. Knighthood, War and Chivalry, 1147–1219. Longman. London</ref> to [[John, King of England|King John]]. In other words, they turned their coats (of arms) from one lord to another, hence turncoat.