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Where does the word "carte blanche" come from? It comes from French carte blanche, and was adopted directly into English (1700s).
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Where does the word "carte blanche" come from? It comes from French carte blanche, and was adopted directly into English (1700s).
Carte blanche’s story begins in French: carte blanche meant “blank paper.” 'white paper': a blank, signed paper on which the holder could write any terms, originally of surrender. It reached English by 1700s as carte blanche. Borrowed for unlimited authority. Today, carte blanche means complete freedom to act as one wishes.
- Stage 1 · French · 1600s carte blanche "blank paper", 'white paper': a blank, signed paper on which the holder could write any terms, originally of surrender.
- Stage 2 · English · 1700s carte blanche "full discretion", borrowed for unlimited authority.