jewel

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

Jewel’s story begins in Latin: jocus meant “jest, game.” The same root as 'joke' and 'juggle'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as jouel. A plaything or trinket, then a precious ornament. It reached English by 1200s as jewel. 'jewel in the crown' was applied to India under British rule. Today, jewel means a precious stone; a treasured person or thing.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient jocus "jest, game", the same root as 'joke' and 'juggle'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval jouel "trinket, ornament", a plaything or trinket, then a precious ornament.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s jewel "a precious stone", 'jewel in the crown' was applied to India under British rule.