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Where does the word "easel" come from? It comes from Dutch ezel, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).
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Where does the word "easel" come from? It comes from Dutch ezel, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).
Easel’s story begins in Dutch: ezel meant “donkey; a supporting frame.” Literally "donkey", describing the sturdy wooden frame. It reached English by 1600s as easel. Dutch 'ezel', donkey, since the frame carries the load like a beast of burden. Today, easel means a stand or frame used to support an artist's canvas or a display board.
- Stage 1 · Dutch · medieval ezel "donkey; a supporting frame", literally "donkey", describing the sturdy wooden frame.
- Stage 2 · English · 1600s easel "a frame for supporting an artist's canvas", Dutch 'ezel', donkey, since the frame carries the load like a beast of burden.