chaff etymology

Etymology:

The word "chaff" comes from Old English "ceaf" or "ceaff," which is related to the Middle Dutch "kaf," "kaft," and "kaff," and the Old High German "keb," "kapf," and "chaff."

Meaning:

Chaff refers to the light, dry husks or seed coats that are separated from grain during threshing.

Origin:

The earliest known use of the word "chaff" in English dates back to the 8th century. It is believed to have originated from the Indo-European root "kep" or "kap," which means "to cover or enclose."

Additional Information:

  • In biblical texts, chaff often symbolizes worthlessness or that which is rejected. For example, in Matthew 3:12, it is said that "he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
  • Chaff can also be used as a metaphor for something trivial or inconsequential.
  • It can also refer to something that is flimsy or worthless, such as "empty chaff."

chaff relate terms

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  • jowl

    Etymology The word jowl comes from the Middle English word jole which in turn is der

  • chaffinch

    Etymology The word chaffinch is derived from the Old English word ceafinc which is

  • chaff

    Etymology The word chaff comes from Old English ceaf or ceaff which is related to

  • finch

    Etymology The word finch is derived from Old English finc which is ultimately deriv

  • jolly

    Etymology The word jolly comes from the Middle English word joly which in turn comes

  • josh

    Etymology The name Josh is a diminutive form of the name Joshua Joshua is derived from

  • pulverize

    Etymology From Latin pulverizare meaning to reduce to powder Derived from pulvis

  • frazzle

    Etymology The word frazzle comes from the Old English word freccles which means fr

  • garble

    Etymology Middle English garbelen from Anglo French garbeler from Old French garbel

  • strawberry

    Etymology The word strawberry originates from the Old English word streawberige whi

  • foil

    Etymology The word foil originates from the Old French word fuoille which evolved f

  • rally

    Etymology The word rally comes from the Old French word rallier which means to gath