a suffix found on abstract nouns borrowed from Latin, usually denoting a status, role, or function ( matrimony; testimony ), or a personal quality or kind of behavior ( acrimony; sanctimony ).
[ -monium (denominal), -monia (usually deadjectival), presumably orig. derivatives with -ium -IUM, -ia -IA of -mon-, an adj. or n. suffix, c. Gk -mon (see HEGEMONY); cf. ALIMONY ]