1
Stage 1 of 3
khaqan
Turkic · medieval
"ruler, sovereign"
contracted over time to "khan"
2
Stage 2 of 3
chan
Old French · 1200s
"Mongol or Turkic ruler"
spread into medieval European languages through contact with Central Asian empires
3
Stage 3 of 3
khan
English · 1200s
"ruler, prince"
known in Europe since the 13th century, later broadened into a general title of respect
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