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Where does the word "client" come from? It comes from Latin cliens, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
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Where does the word "client" come from? It comes from Latin cliens, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
Client’s story begins in Latin: cliens meant “dependant.” A Roman plebeian under the protection of a patron. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as client. Later one who hires a lawyer. It reached English by 1300s as client. Computing 'client' dates from the 1970s. Today, client means a person using professional services.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient cliens "dependant", a Roman plebeian under the protection of a patron.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval client "dependant", later one who hires a lawyer.
- Stage 3 · English · 1300s client "dependant", computing 'client' dates from the 1970s.