definition

[Anonymous]

Hello all,

What would be, in simple words, a definition for "proto-bank"?


Plin.

[Pete]

Hello all,

What would be, in simple words, a definition for "proto-bank"?


Plin.
I've never seen the prefix "proto" used with "bank". Can you give us some context?

With no additional clues, it would appear to refer to an early institution that ultimately evolved into the bank as a modern financial institution.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Pete,

I remember reading the word in a book and I can't recall the specific context but here is another example, under the subheading The Two Forks Council, then Cynthia.




http://www.geocities.com/telerib/Archives/environs.html



Plin.

[Pete]

Thanks. It is indeed what I thought. The relevant sentence in your reference is:
> Cynthia runs a moneylending operation, a sort of proto-bank.

A modern bank lends money, but it does many other things as well (takes deposits, pays checks, transfers money, etc.). Presumably this game is set in a relatively primitive society that lacks our financial infrastructure, and this "moneylending operation" is a limited financial institution, an early analog of today's banks.