scaffold etymology

Etymology:

• Middle English: skaffold
• Old French: eschaffaut
• Latin: catafalcum (a military machine used to protect siege towers)
• Greek: katafallikon (a wooden structure used for covering a bier)
• Catalan: catafalc (a bier or coffin)

Meaning:

• A temporary platform or structure erected for a specific purpose, such as:
  • A platform for construction or repair work
  • A stage for a performance
  • A platform for public executions or speeches

Origin:

The term "scaffold" originally referred to a military machine used to cover siege towers. Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass any temporary structure used for various purposes. The term "catafalque," used for a bier or coffin, also derives from the same Greek root.

scaffold relate terms

• scaffolding

  Etymology and Origin The word scaffolding comes from the Old Norse word skapr meanin

• scaffold

  Etymology Middle English skaffold Old French eschaffaut Latin catafalcum a military

• cata

  Etymology The word cata is derived from the Greek prefix κατά kata which means

• catapult

  Etymology The word catapult comes from the Greek words ката kata meaning d

• catachresis

  Etymology From Late Latin catachrēsis from Greek κατάχρησις katachrēsis

• catalogue

  Etymology The word catalogue originates from the Greek word katálogos which means

• catafalque

  Etymology The word catafalque comes from the late Middle French word catafalque 15th

• balcony

  Etymology The word balcony comes from the Italian balcone which in turn is derived f

• pulpit

  Etymology The word pulpit comes from the Latin word pulpitum which means stage or

• stair

  Etymology The word stair originates from the Old Norse word steigr meaning path o

• pageant

  Etymology The word pageant comes from the Old French word pageant which in turn is

• staple

  Etymology The word staple derives from the Old English word stapol which means a po

• support

  Etymology Latin supportāre from sub under portāre to carry Proto Indo Eur

• arrangement

  Etymology Old French arangement Latin ad to rangere to set in order Mea

• hold

  Etymology Old English healdan Proto West Germanic haldan Proto Germanic haldaną P

• sustain

  Etymology Latin sustinēre to hold up sustain endure Proto Indo European steh₂