errant etymology

Etymology

  • "Errant" originates from the Middle English term "errand," which itself derives from the Old French "errande" (an errand or message).
  • The Old French term is in turn derived from the Latin "iter" (a journey or way).

Meaning

  1. Wandering or straying from the right course or path.
  2. Not conforming to established norms or rules.
  3. Mistaken or incorrect.

Origin

The Old French term "errande" originally referred to a message or errand delivered by a messenger. Over time, the term came to be applied to the messenger themselves, as well as to anyone who was on a journey or pilgrimage.

In the 14th century, the term "errant" began to be used to describe people who wandered or strayed from the right path, either physically or figuratively. This meaning was further extended in the 16th century to include anything that was not conforming to established norms or rules.

Today, the term "errant" is most commonly used to describe something that is mistaken or incorrect. It can also be used to describe someone who is wandering or straying from the right path.

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