Etymology Map
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Apparel

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means clothing

Where does the word "apparel" come from? It comes from Latin appariculare, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
appariculare
Latin · ancient
"to make fit"
from 'par', equal: to make things match
2
Stage 2 of 3
apareil
Old French · medieval
"preparation, equipment"
furnishings and gear
3
Stage 3 of 3
apparel
English · 1200s
"equipment; clothing"
narrowed to clothing by the 1300s
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Read the full story

Apparel’s story begins in Latin: appariculare meant “to make fit.” From 'par', equal: to make things match. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as apareil. Furnishings and gear. It reached English by 1200s as apparel. Narrowed to clothing by the 1300s. Today, apparel means clothing.