entail etymology

Etymology

  • Middle English: entaillen, from Anglo-Norman French entailler, from Old French entaillier, from Vulgar Latin intagliare, from Latin in-, "in" + taliare, "to cut"

Meaning

  • To cut or engrave a design or figure into something.
  • To determine or establish (a legal rule, right, or obligation) in advance.
  • To involve or imply as a necessary consequence.

Origin

The word "entail" originated in the Latin phrase intagliare, meaning "to cut in." This phrase was used to describe the process of carving or engraving designs or figures into solid materials, such as stone or metal. In the Middle Ages, the term "entail" was adopted into English and French, where it was used to refer to the specific type of engraving used in heraldry, the intricate art of designing and displaying coats of arms.

Over time, the meaning of "entail" expanded to include the broader concept of establishing or determining something in advance, such as a legal rule or obligation. This usage stems from the idea that once something is engraved or carved into something, it becomes permanent and unchangeable.

In the 17th century, the term "entail" acquired its modern meaning of "to involve or imply as a necessary consequence." This usage is based on the logical principle that if something is true, then certain other things must also be true. For example, the statement "If it rains, the ground will get wet" entails the implication that "If the ground is wet, then it must have rained."

entail relate terms

  • tailor

    Etymology The word tailor is derived from the Old French word tailleur which in tur

  • intail

    Etymology Latin intagiāre meaning to engrave In in within Tagliāre cut

  • entail

    Etymology Middle English entaillen from Anglo Norman French entailler from Old French

  • tail

    Etymology Origin Middle English taile Latin talea meaning a cutting a slice

  • implicate

    Etymology The word implicate comes from the Latin verb implicare meaning to fold or

  • imply

    Etymology Latin implicare to enfold entangle Proto Indo European plek to fol

  • land

    Etymology Old English land Proto Germanic landuz Indo European lendh to li

  • dale

    Etymology The word dale comes from the Old English word dæl which means valley o

  • deal

    Etymology The word deal comes from the Old English word dæl which means part port

  • lade

    Etymology Middle English ladon from Anglo Norman French ladon from Old French ledon

  • lead

    Etymology The word lead comes from the Old English word lēad which is ultimately d

  • bequeath

    Etymology The word bequeath comes from the Old English word becweðan which means

  • name

    Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It is a branch of historica