league etymology

Etymology

The word "league" has its origins in the 14th century Middle French word "ligue," which in turn came from the Old French word "ligier," meaning "to bind." The term initially referred to a temporary alliance or confederation, particularly among political factions or states.

Meaning

A league can have several meanings:

• Political Alliance: A loose association of states or organizations with common interests or goals, often formed for mutual defense or cooperation.
• Distance Measure: A historical measure of distance, typically equivalent to three miles or 4.8 kilometers. It was originally based on the distance that a person could walk in one hour.
• Organization or Association: A group of individuals or entities organized for a specific purpose, such as a sports league or trade league.
• Level or Rank: In some contexts, a league can indicate a level or rank, especially in the context of sports divisions or academic institutions.

Origin

The concept of a league has existed for centuries, with similar alliances and confederations being formed in various civilizations throughout history. The term "league" began to be widely used in Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly to describe alliances between city-states and noble families.

In the 16th century, the term was introduced into English from French. It was initially used to refer to political alliances, but gradually came to encompass other meanings as well. By the 18th century, the term "league" had become a common unit of distance measurement in the English-speaking world.

league relate terms

• banlieue

  Etymology The word banlieue comes from the Old French banlieue which in turn derive

• league

  Etymology The word league has its origins in the 14th century Middle French word ligue

• mile

  Etymology Old English mil Proto Germanic mēlijōn PIE root meh₁l meaning measu

• big league

  Etymology The term big league originated in the late 19th century in the context of pr

• league

  Etymology The word league has its origins in the 14th century Middle French word ligue

• conference

  Etymology of Conference The word conference is derived from the Latin word conferre

• confederate

  Etymology The word confederate originates from the Latin word confoederatus which m

• confederation

  Etymology Latin confederatio from con together foederare to league Meaning

• confederacy

  Etymology Late 16th century from French confédération or from Latin confoederatio

• mandate

  Etymology Middle English mandat Old French mandat Latin mandātum command order

• Geneva

  Etymology and Origin The name Geneva originates from the Celtic word Genava Meanin

• union

  Etymology The word union derives from the Old French term union 12th century which

• division

  Etymology The word division derives from the Late Latin divisus meaning separated

• lime

  Etymology and Origin The word lime has an intriguing etymological trail Old English