Etymology Map
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Archer

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a person who shoots with a bow

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
arcus
Latin · ancient
"bow"
the root of 'arc' and 'arch'
2
Stage 2 of 3
archier
Old French · medieval
"bowman"
from Vulgar Latin 'arcarius'
3
Stage 3 of 3
archer
English · 1200s
"bowman"
English longbowmen won at Agincourt in 1415
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Read the full story

Archer’s story begins in Latin: arcus meant “bow.” The root of 'arc' and 'arch'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as archier. From Vulgar Latin 'arcarius'. It reached English by 1200s as archer. English longbowmen won at Agincourt in 1415. Today, archer means a person who shoots with a bow.