chandelier

Where does the word "chandelier" come from? It comes from Latin candela, passing through French before entering English (1700s).

Chandelier’s story begins in Latin: candela meant “candle.” By medieval, the word had taken hold in French as chandelier. Named the branched candle-holder. It reached English by 1700s as chandelier. First a candle holder; the 'chandler' who sold candles shares the root. Today, chandelier means a decorative, branched light fixture that hangs from the ceiling.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient candela "candle", meaning "candle".
2. Stage 2 · French · medieval chandelier "a candle-holder", named the branched candle-holder.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1700s chandelier "an ornate, branched ceiling light fixture", first a candle holder; the 'chandler' who sold candles shares the root.