Etymology Map
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Install

3 stages from Medieval Latin to English.

Today it means to put in place for use

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
stallum
Medieval Latin · medieval
"seat in a choir"
a Medieval Latin word from Germanic 'stall', place
2
Stage 2 of 3
installer
Old French · medieval
"to install"
a new canon was installed by being led to his choir stall
3
Stage 3 of 3
install
English · 1400s
"to place in office"
software 'installation' dates from the 1900s
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Read the full story

Install’s story begins in Medieval Latin: stallum meant “seat in a choir.” A Medieval Latin word from Germanic 'stall', place. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as installer. A new canon was installed by being led to his choir stall. It reached English by 1400s as install. Software 'installation' dates from the 1900s. Today, install means to put in place for use.