chatelaine etymology

Etymology:

  • Medieval French casteleyne, feminine form of castelain, from chastel, from Latin castellum
  • Ultimately from Latin castrum "fort, fortification"

Meaning:

  • A hook or chain worn at the waist for holding keys, a watch, scissors, etc.

Origin:

The term "chatelaine" originated in medieval France. The word casteleyne denoted a noblewoman who managed a castle in the absence of her husband. As part of their duties, they often carried keys, a watch, and other household items on a chain or hook attached to their waist.

Over time, the term "chatelaine" came to refer to the hook or chain itself, rather than the person wearing it. By the 16th century, chatelaines were popular among both men and women as a convenient way to carry and organize small items.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, chatelaines reached the height of their popularity. They became elaborate decorative accessories, often made of gold, silver, or other precious materials. Some chatelaines featured intricate designs and were adorned with gems or enamel.

Today, chatelaines are still used by some people for practical purposes, but they are more often seen as decorative or historical artifacts.

chatelaine relate terms

  • castle

    Etymology The word castle originated from the Latin word castellum which means sma

  • caret

    Etymology Latin carrus cart wagon Indo European karrh₂ vehicle wagon

  • cashier

    Etymology and Meaning The word cashier comes from the Old French word caissier meani

  • cassation

    Etymology The term cassation originates from the Latin word cassare meaning to qua

  • caste

    Etymology The word caste derives from the Portuguese word casta meaning race or b

  • castellan

    Etymology Late Latin castellānus from Latin castellum small fortress castle Origin

  • castellated

    Etymology The word castellated derives from the Latin word castellum meaning small

  • Castile

    Etymology The word Castile derives from the Latin castellum meaning castle which

  • castle

    Etymology The word castle originated from the Latin word castellum which means sma

  • castigate

    Etymology The word castigate originates from the Latin word castigare which means t

  • chateau

    Etymology The word château comes from the Old French word chastel which is derived

  • chatelaine

    Etymology Medieval French casteleyne feminine form of castelain from chastel from La

  • Chester

    Etymology The name Chester derives from the Old English word ceaster which was borrow

  • forecastle

    Etymology The word forecastle is derived from two Middle English words fore meaning

  • quash

    Etymology French casser from Late Latin cassare meaning to annul void or break L

  • mistress

    Etymology The word mistress derives from the Old French word maistresse which in tu

  • chain

    Etymology Chain derives from the Old English word cene meaning bond fetter or leas

  • hedge

    Etymology The word hedge has an Old English origin deriving from the word hecg whic

  • milk

    Etymology The word milk comes from the Proto Indo European root melg meaning to mil

  • diaphragm

    Etymology Greek diaphragma meaning wall or partition Meaning A thin dome sha

  • prevent

    Etymology Prevent comes from the Middle French prévenir from the Latin praevenire a

  • Titan

    Etymology French Titane Greek Τιτάν Titán Meaning Giant or powerful b

  • Renaissance

    Etymology The term Renaissance comes from the French word renaissance which means r

  • charisma

    Etymology The word charisma originates from the Greek word χάρισμα charisma

  • swallow

    Etymology Old English swelgan to swallow Proto Germanic swalgan Proto Indo Europe