connoisseur

Where does the word "connoisseur" come from? It comes from Latin cognoscere, passing through Old French and French before entering English (1700s).

Connoisseur’s story begins in Latin: cognoscere meant “to know.” Meaning "to know" or "to learn". By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as conoistre. Carried the meaning of knowing or recognizing. From there it passed into French as connoisseur by 1700s. Came to mean an expert judge of taste. It reached English by 1700s as connoisseur. From an older French spelling of 'connaisseur', one who knows; used of art collectors on the Grand Tour. Today, connoisseur means an expert judge of quality, especially in the fine arts, food, or drink.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient cognoscere "to know", meaning "to know" or "to learn".
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval conoistre "to know, recognize", carried the meaning of knowing or recognizing.
3. Stage 3 · French · 1700s connoisseur "an expert judge, especially of the arts", came to mean an expert judge of taste.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1700s connoisseur "an expert judge of quality, especially in the arts", from an older French spelling of 'connaisseur', one who knows; used of art collectors on the Grand Tour.