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Where does the word "homage" come from? It comes from Latin homo, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).
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Where does the word "homage" come from? It comes from Latin homo, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).
Homage’s story begins in Latin: homo meant “man.” The root of 'human'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as homage. A vassal kneeling to become his lord's 'man'. It reached English by 1200s as homage. 'pay homage' came to mean show respect. Today, homage means special honour shown publicly.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient homo "man", the root of 'human'.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval homage "homage", a vassal kneeling to become his lord's 'man'.
- Stage 3 · English · 1200s homage "feudal allegiance", 'pay homage' came to mean show respect.