Etymology Map
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Friar

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a member of a religious order of men

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
frater
Latin · ancient
"brother"
the root of 'fraternal'
2
Stage 2 of 3
frere
Old French · medieval
"brother; friar"
members of mendicant orders like the Franciscans
3
Stage 3 of 3
friar
English · 1200s
"mendicant brother"
Friar Tuck of the Robin Hood tales made it popular
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Read the full story

Friar’s story begins in Latin: frater meant “brother.” The root of 'fraternal'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as frere. Members of mendicant orders like the Franciscans. It reached English by 1200s as friar. Friar Tuck of the Robin Hood tales made it popular. Today, friar means a member of a religious order of men.