sable etymology

Etymology

The word "sable" has a long and complex etymological history, with roots in multiple languages:

  • Old French: "sable"
  • Latin: "sabelus"
  • Greek: "σάβελλος" ("sabbelos")
  • Indo-European: "*sebh-" ("black, dark")

Meaning

1. Color: * A deep, dark gray to black color.

2. Object: * A small, pencil-like tool used in drawing or sculpting to remove unwanted material. * A black fur of a certain type of marten.

3. Animal: * The marten, a small carnivorous mammal with dark fur.

4. Heraldry: * A black heraldic tincture, one of the six main colors used in heraldry.

Origin

The word "sable" ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "*sebh-", meaning "black" or "dark." This root is found in many Indo-European languages, including Greek, Latin, and Slavic.

The word "sable" entered English through Old French and has been in use since the 13th century. In the 15th century, the term "sable" was also used as a color name for a type of marten fur, which was highly prized for its dark color. Over time, the word "sable" has taken on additional meanings, including the drawing tool and the heraldic tincture.

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