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Where does the word "cabinet" come from? It comes from Late Latin capanna, passing through French before entering English (1500s).
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Where does the word "cabinet" come from? It comes from Late Latin capanna, passing through French before entering English (1500s).
Cabinet’s story begins in Late Latin: capanna meant “hut.” The same root as 'cabin'. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as cabinet. A diminutive of 'cabane'. It reached English by 1500s as cabinet. The king's private council met in a small room, giving the political sense in the 1600s. Today, cabinet means a cupboard; a body of senior ministers.
- Stage 1 · Late Latin · ancient capanna "hut", the same root as 'cabin'.
- Stage 2 · French · 1500s cabinet "small room", a diminutive of 'cabane'.
- Stage 3 · English · 1500s cabinet "small room; cupboard", the king's private council met in a small room, giving the political sense in the 1600s.