compile

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

Compile’s story begins in Latin: compilare meant “to plunder, heap up.” Possibly from 'pilare', to pillage. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as compiler. 'compiler' was used for authors who copied from other writers. It reached English by 1300s as compile. Computer 'compilers' date from the 1950s. Today, compile means to produce by assembling information.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient compilare "to plunder, heap up", possibly from 'pilare', to pillage.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval compiler "to compile", 'compiler' was used for authors who copied from other writers.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s compile "to collect", computer 'compilers' date from the 1950s.