convey

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

Convey’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: conviare meant “to accompany.” 'com-' plus 'via', way. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as conveier. 'conveyance' in law is the transfer of property. It reached English by 1300s as convey. 'conveyor belts' date from the 1900s. Today, convey means to transport; to communicate.

1. Stage 1 · Vulgar Latin · ancient conviare "to accompany", 'com-' plus 'via', way.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval conveier "to escort", 'conveyance' in law is the transfer of property.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s convey "to escort", 'conveyor belts' date from the 1900s.