hamper etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: hamper, from Old French hanaper, from Medieval Latin hanaperum
  • Ultimately derived from Anglo-Norman French hanapier, from Old French hanap ("drinking cup")

Meaning:

  1. A large basket or container, typically with a lid, used to hold various items.
  2. (figuratively) A hindrance or obstacle.

Origin:

The word "hamper" originally referred to a large basket used to store and transport drinking cups in the household. It is thought that the name derived from the cups themselves, which were called "hanaps" in Old French.

Over time, the meaning of "hamper" broadened to include any large basket used for holding and transporting various items, such as food, laundry, or other household goods.

In the 19th century, the word "hamper" began to be used figuratively to refer to something that hinders or obstructs. This usage may have arisen from the fact that a large hamper can be cumbersome to carry or move, making it a potential obstacle.

hamper relate terms

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  • ring

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  • hamper

    Etymology Middle English hamper from Old French hanaper from Medieval Latin hanaperu

  • Harry

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  • rank

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  • range

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  • arrange

    Etymology Meaning Origin etymology the origin of a word and the

  • top hamper

    Etymology The term top hamper is derived from two sources Top Referring to the upp

  • hamper

    Etymology Middle English hamper from Old French hanaper from Medieval Latin hanaperu

  • unhampered

    Etymology Un A prefix meaning not or without Hamper From Middle English hamper

  • hamper

    Etymology Middle English hamper from Old French hanaper from Medieval Latin hanaperu

  • halter

    Etymology The word halter has multiple etymological origins Old English healftre

  • cramp

    Etymology Middle English crampe from Old French crampe from Vulgar Latin crampea fr

  • shackle

    Etymology The word shackle comes from the Middle English word shakele which in turn

  • cart

    Etymology The word cart comes from the Middle English word carte which ultimately d

  • hobble

    Etymology Middle English Middle English hobbele n to limp walk awkwardly from a b

  • coffin

    Etymology The word coffin is derived from the Old French word coffin which itself or

  • constraint

    Etymology of Constraint The word constraint comes from the Old French word constra

  • bound

    Etymology Old English bindan Proto Germanic bindaną Meaning To tie fasten

  • handicap

    Etymology The word handicap derives from the 16th century term hand in cap referrin