Etymology Map
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Chaperone

3 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means a person who accompanies young people

Where does the word "chaperone" come from? It comes from Late Latin cappa, passing through Old French before entering English (1720s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
cappa
Late Latin · ancient
"cape, hood"
a Late Latin word for a hooded cloak
2
Stage 2 of 3
chaperon
Old French · medieval
"hood"
a protective hood, then a protector
3
Stage 3 of 3
chaperone
English · 1720s
"escort"
the young woman's escort sense dates from the 1700s
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Read the full story

Chaperone’s story begins in Late Latin: cappa meant “cape, hood.” A Late Latin word for a hooded cloak. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as chaperon. A protective hood, then a protector. It reached English by 1720s as chaperone. The young woman's escort sense dates from the 1700s. Today, chaperone means a person who accompanies young people.