Etymology Map
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Chaplain

3 stages from Medieval Latin to English.

Today it means a clergy member attached to an institution

Where does the word "chaplain" come from? It comes from Medieval Latin cappella, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
cappella
Medieval Latin · medieval
"little cloak"
the shrine housing St Martin's cloak, whose keepers were 'cappellani'
2
Stage 2 of 3
chapelain
Old French · medieval
"chaplain"
a priest serving a private chapel
3
Stage 3 of 3
chaplain
English · 1300s
"private priest"
military and hospital chaplains date from the 1600s
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Read the full story

Chaplain’s story begins in Medieval Latin: cappella meant “little cloak.” The shrine housing St Martin's cloak, whose keepers were 'cappellani'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as chapelain. A priest serving a private chapel. It reached English by 1300s as chaplain. Military and hospital chaplains date from the 1600s. Today, chaplain means a clergy member attached to an institution.