Etymology Map
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Compass

3 stages from Vulgar Latin to English.

Today it means an instrument showing direction

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
compassare
Vulgar Latin · ancient
"to pace out"
'com-' plus 'passus', step
2
Stage 2 of 3
compas
Old French · medieval
"measure; circle"
a circle or measuring device
3
Stage 3 of 3
compass
English · 1300s
"circle; measuring device"
the magnetic compass reached Europe in the 1100s
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Read the full story

Compass’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: compassare meant “to pace out.” 'com-' plus 'passus', step. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as compas. A circle or measuring device. It reached English by 1300s as compass. The magnetic compass reached Europe in the 1100s. Today, compass means an instrument showing direction.