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Where does the word "dress" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin directiare, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
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Where does the word "dress" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin directiare, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
Dress’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: directiare meant “to straighten.” From 'directus', straight. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as dresser. Soldiers still 'dress' ranks, straightening their line. It reached English by 1300s as dress. The garment sense dates from the 1600s. Today, dress means a one-piece garment for women; to put on clothes.
- Stage 1 · Vulgar Latin · ancient directiare "to straighten", from 'directus', straight.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval dresser "to arrange", soldiers still 'dress' ranks, straightening their line.
- Stage 3 · English · 1300s dress "to arrange", the garment sense dates from the 1600s.