Etymology Map
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Chaste

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means abstaining from sex; pure

Where does the word "chaste" come from? It comes from Latin castus, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
castus
Latin · ancient
"pure"
the root of 'castigate', to make pure by punishing
2
Stage 2 of 3
chaste
Old French · medieval
"pure"
used of monks' and nuns' vows
3
Stage 3 of 3
chaste
English · 1200s
"pure"
'caste' comes from the same Latin word via Portuguese
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Read the full story

Chaste’s story begins in Latin: castus meant “pure.” The root of 'castigate', to make pure by punishing. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as chaste. Used of monks' and nuns' vows. It reached English by 1200s as chaste. 'caste' comes from the same Latin word via Portuguese. Today, chaste means abstaining from sex; pure.