vouchsafe etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: vouchensafen, from Old French: voucher sauf (to guarantee safe)
  • vouch (guarantee, witness) + sauf (safe)

Meaning:

  • To condescend to grant or give something
  • To deem worthy of being accepted or granted

Origin:

The term "vouchsafe" originated in the Middle Ages in the context of feudalism. When a lord granted a favor or privilege to a vassal, the lord would vouch (guarantee) that the vassal would be safe and protected while exercising that privilege. Over time, the term "vouchsafe" came to be used more generally to refer to any act of condescension or kindness from a superior to an inferior.

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