companion

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

Companion’s story begins in Latin: com panis meant “one who shares bread with another.” Literally with bread, one who shares a meal with you. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as compaignon. Carried into French for a close associate or friend. It reached English by 1300s as companion. Settled as the English word for a close friend or associate. Today, companion means a person or animal that accompanies or spends time with another.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient com panis "one who shares bread with another", literally with bread, one who shares a meal with you.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval compaignon "a close associate", carried into French for a close associate or friend.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s companion "a person who accompanies another", settled as the English word for a close friend or associate.