Etymology
The term "doff" comes from the Middle English word "doffen," which is derived from the Old Norse word "dúfa," meaning "to move gently." It first appeared in English in the late 14th century, where it was used to describe the removal of clothing.
Meaning
Doff typically means "to remove clothing or headgear, especially by pulling it off or down." It can also be used figuratively to mean "to give up or relinquish something."
Origin
The Old Norse word "dúfa" likely originated from the Proto-Germanic root *daubian-, meaning "to strike, push, or shove." This root word also gave rise to other English words such as "dab," "daub," and "dub."
In its original Norse context, "dúfa" referred to a gentle or light movement. However, when it entered Middle English, it shifted in meaning to describe the act of removing clothing, which typically involved a more forceful pulling or pushing motion.
Usage
Doff is commonly used in the context of removing hats, caps, or other headgear as a sign of respect, such as when entering a church or greeting someone important. It can also be used to remove other items of clothing, such as gloves or jackets.
Figuratively, doff can be used to describe the act of giving up or relinquishing something, often with a sense of regret or resignation. For example, one might say that they "doffed their hopes" of winning a competition.
Etymology refers to the study of the origin and history of words including their form so
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