Etymology Map
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Edict

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means an official order

Where does the word "edict" come from? It comes from Latin edictum, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
edictum
Latin · ancient
"proclamation"
'e-', out, plus 'dicere', to say
2
Stage 2 of 3
edit
Old French · medieval
"decree"
a royal decree
3
Stage 3 of 3
edict
English · 1400s
"decree"
the Edict of Nantes of 1598 granted religious toleration
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Read the full story

Edict’s story begins in Latin: edictum meant “proclamation.” 'e-', out, plus 'dicere', to say. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as edit. A royal decree. It reached English by 1400s as edict. The Edict of Nantes of 1598 granted religious toleration. Today, edict means an official order.