messmate etymology

Etymology:

The word "messmate" originates from the Middle English word "messemate," which itself is derived from two Old English words:

  • Messe: Meaning "meal" or "feast"
  • Mate: Meaning "companion" or "friend"

Meaning:

A messmate is a person who shares a table or eats meals together with another or others. It typically refers to individuals who share a dining experience in a close or communal setting, such as:

  • Military: Soldiers or sailors who eat together in a mess hall
  • Boarding schools: Students who eat in a common dining room
  • Workplaces: Colleagues who gather for lunch or coffee breaks
  • Social groups: Friends or family members who dine together regularly

Origin:

The term "messmate" has been used in English for centuries. It initially referred to individuals who shared meals in monastic or military environments. Over time, the meaning expanded to encompass any group of people who dined together on a regular basis.

In the military, the term "messmate" has a significant connotation of camaraderie and shared experiences. Soldiers or sailors who share meals together develop strong bonds and a sense of community. Similarly, in boarding schools or workplaces, messmates often become close friends through the shared experience of dining together.

messmate relate terms

  • mate

    Etymology The word mate has several possible etymologies From Spanish mate origin

  • meat

    Etymology The word meat comes from the Old English word mete which means food or

  • mess

    Etymology The word mess comes from the Middle English word messe which in turn come

  • mission

    Etymology Mission is derived from the Latin word mittere meaning to send or to dispa

  • company

    Etymology and Meaning of Company The word company is derived from the Late Latin word

  • friend

    Etymology The word friend comes from the Old English word freond which meant compa

  • acquaintance

    Etymology Old French acointance Late Latin acquietantia Latin ac towards quietu

  • drive

    Etymology The word drive has its roots in Old English deriving from the verb drīfan

  • traffic

    Etymology The word traffic comes from the Middle English word trafique which in turn

  • miasma

    Etymology Ancient Greek μίασμα miasma meaning pollution defilement or

  • deed

    Etymology The word deed comes from the Middle English word dede which in turn der

  • participle

    Etymology Latin participle noun French participe noun English participle noun

  • conservative

    Etymology Late Middle English in the sense disposed to preserve existing institutio