arch

Where does the word "arch" come from? It comes from Latin arcus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Arch’s story begins in Latin: arcus meant “bow, arch.” The root of 'arc' and 'archer'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as arche. Roman builders perfected the arch. It reached English by 1300s as arch. 'arch-' as in 'archbishop' is unrelated, from Greek 'arkhos', chief. Today, arch means a curved structure spanning an opening.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient arcus "bow, arch", the root of 'arc' and 'archer'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval arche "arch", Roman builders perfected the arch.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s arch "curved structure", 'arch-' as in 'archbishop' is unrelated, from Greek 'arkhos', chief.