The French word `` commune '' appeared in the 12th century , from Medieval Latin `` communia '' ( a large gathering of people sharing a common life ) ; from Latin `` communis '' ( things held in common ) .
The French word `` commune '' was first used in the 12th century , from Medieval Latin `` communia '' , meaning a small gathering of people sharing a common life , from Latin `` communis '' , things held in common .