closet etymology

Etymology

The word "closet" has its origins in the Old French word "closet," meaning "a small closed space." This word is derived from the Latin word "clausus," meaning "closed."

Meaning and Origin

In its original sense, a closet was a small, enclosed space, such as a storage area or a room for private use. Over time, the word came to be used more broadly to refer to any small, enclosed space, such as a cupboard, a pantry, or a bathroom.

In the 16th century, the term "closet" began to be used in a more specific sense to refer to a small, private room used for prayer or meditation. This usage is derived from the Latin word "clausura," meaning "a place of seclusion."

By the 17th century, the word "closet" had come to be used in a more general sense to refer to any small, private room. This usage is still common today, and a closet can refer to a room used for a variety of purposes, such as a study, a dressing room, or a storage area.

Examples

• The closet contained a variety of old clothes and shoes.
• The priest retired to his closet to pray.
• The students gathered in the closet to study for their exams.
• The closet was filled with boxes of old photographs and letters.

closet relate terms

• close

  Etymology Middle English cloosen from Old English lūcan Proto Germanic lūkaną P

• closed

  Etymology The word closed derives from the Middle English word closen which in turn

• closing

  Etymology The word closing comes from the Middle English word closen which itself co

• wardrobe

  Etymology The word wardrobe comes from the Old French word warderobe which in turn

• press

  Etymology The word press originates from the Old French word presse which in turn c

• pantry

  Etymology The word pantry comes from the Old French word paneterie which means a br

• cove

  Etymology Middle English cove coof from Old English cogu possibly from an Old Norse

• pen driver

  Etymology The term pen drive is a combination of two words Pen Short for penknife

• stall

  Etymology Middle English stallen staulen staken Old English stæl stælan to ste

• armoire

  Etymology The word armoire originates from the Old French word armaire which itself

• room

  Etymology The word room originates from the Middle English word roum which in turn