flask

Where does the word "flask" come from? It comes from Medieval Latin flasco, passing through French before entering English (1500s).

Flask’s story begins in Medieval Latin: flasco meant “bottle.” A Medieval Latin word, possibly Germanic. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as flasque. Used for soldiers' powder flasks; Italian 'fiasco' comes from the same word. It reached English by 1500s as flask. Later any narrow-necked bottle, including a pocket flask for spirits. Today, flask means a narrow-necked bottle.

1. Stage 1 · Medieval Latin · medieval flasco "bottle", a Medieval Latin word, possibly Germanic.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1500s flasque "powder flask", used for soldiers' powder flasks; Italian 'fiasco' comes from the same word.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1500s flask "bottle", later any narrow-necked bottle, including a pocket flask for spirits.