Etymology Map
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Bidet

3 stages from French to English.

Today it means a low basin for washing the lower body

Where does the word "bidet" come from? It comes from French bidet, passing through French before entering English (1760s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
bidet
French · 1500s
"pony"
a small horse or pony, from 'bider', to trot
2
Stage 2 of 3
bidet
French · 1700s
"washbasin"
the washbasin was named for the way one sits astride it
3
Stage 3 of 3
bidet
English · 1760s
"washbasin"
common in France and southern Europe, still rare in Britain
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Read the full story

Bidet’s story begins in French: bidet meant “pony.” A small horse or pony, from 'bider', to trot. Within French, it grew into bidet by 1700s. The washbasin was named for the way one sits astride it. It reached English by 1760s as bidet. Common in France and southern Europe, still rare in Britain. Today, bidet means a low basin for washing the lower body.