attache

Where does the word "attache" come from? It comes from French attacher, passing through French before entering English (1830s).

Attache’s story begins in French: attacher meant “to attach.” To fasten, attach. Within French, it grew into attaché by 1800s. 'attached': a junior diplomat attached to an embassy. It reached English by 1830s as attaché. The 'attaché case', a slim document case, dates from 1904. Today, attache means a person on the staff of an ambassador.

1. Stage 1 · French · medieval attacher "to attach", to fasten, attach.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1800s attaché "attached (person)", 'attached': a junior diplomat attached to an embassy.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1830s attaché "embassy staff member", the 'attaché case', a slim document case, dates from 1904.