Etymology Map
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Homage

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means special honour shown publicly

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
homo
Latin · ancient
"man"
the root of 'human'
2
Stage 2 of 3
homage
Old French · medieval
"homage"
a vassal kneeling to become his lord's 'man'
3
Stage 3 of 3
homage
English · 1200s
"feudal allegiance"
'pay homage' came to mean show respect
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Read the full story

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.