loop

Where does the word "loop" come from? It comes from Middle English loupe, and was adopted directly into English (1500s).

Loop’s story begins in Middle English: loupe meant “loop.” Of uncertain origin, perhaps Celtic; compare Gaelic 'lùb', bend. It reached English by 1500s as loop. A 'loophole' was an arrow slit in a castle wall, from a different word. Today, loop means a shape produced by a curve that bends round and crosses itself.

1. Stage 1 · Middle English · 1300s loupe "loop", of uncertain origin, perhaps Celtic; compare Gaelic 'lùb', bend.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1500s loop "loop", a 'loophole' was an arrow slit in a castle wall, from a different word.