Etymology Map
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Lodge

3 stages from Frankish to English.

Today it means a small house at the gate of an estate; to stay or place

Where does the word "lodge" come from? It comes from Frankish laubja, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
laubja
Frankish · ancient
"shelter of leaves"
a Frankish word related to 'leaf' and 'lobby'
2
Stage 2 of 3
loge
Old French · medieval
"hut, arbour"
a temporary shelter
3
Stage 3 of 3
lodge
English · 1200s
"a small house"
Masonic 'lodges' date from the 1400s
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Read the full story

Lodge’s story begins in Frankish: laubja meant “shelter of leaves.” A Frankish word related to 'leaf' and 'lobby'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as loge. A temporary shelter. It reached English by 1200s as lodge. Masonic 'lodges' date from the 1400s. Today, lodge means a small house at the gate of an estate; to stay or place.