Etymology Map
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Damsel

3 stages from Vulgar Latin to English.

Today it means a young unmarried woman

Where does the word "damsel" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin dominicella, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
dominicella
Vulgar Latin · ancient
"young lady"
a diminutive of 'domina', lady
2
Stage 2 of 3
dameisele
Old French · medieval
"young noblewoman"
the same word gave 'mademoiselle'
3
Stage 3 of 3
damsel
English · 1200s
"young lady"
'damsel in distress' comes from chivalric romance
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Read the full story

Damsel’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: dominicella meant “young lady.” A diminutive of 'domina', lady. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as dameisele. The same word gave 'mademoiselle'. It reached English by 1200s as damsel. 'damsel in distress' comes from chivalric romance. Today, damsel means a young unmarried woman.