caftan

Where does the word "caftan" come from? It comes from Persian khaftan, passing through Arabic and Turkish before entering English (1590s).

Caftan’s story begins in Persian: khaftan meant “long tunic.” A long tunic-like garment tied at the waist. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Arabic as qaftan. Spread the garment and its name through the Islamic world. From there it passed into Turkish as qaftan by 1500s. Became a symbol of Ottoman court dress. It reached English by 1590s as caftan / kaftan. Entered English describing Ottoman and Egyptian dress; later became a Western fashion term. Today, caftan means a long tunic-like garment, often tied with a sash, or a similar loose dress worn as fashionable clothing.

1. Stage 1 · Persian · medieval khaftan "long tunic", a long tunic-like garment tied at the waist.
2. Stage 2 · Arabic · medieval qaftan "long vest with sleeves", spread the garment and its name through the Islamic world.
3. Stage 3 · Turkish · 1500s qaftan "ceremonial robe", became a symbol of Ottoman court dress.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1590s caftan / kaftan "long tied robe", entered English describing Ottoman and Egyptian dress; later became a Western fashion term.