chaperone

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

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.

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