mantle

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

Mantle’s story begins in Latin: mantellum meant “cloak.” A diminutive of 'mantum', cloak. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as mantel. The same word gave 'mantel' over a fireplace. It reached English by 1200s as mantle. 'take up the mantle' comes from Elijah passing his cloak to Elisha. Today, mantle means a loose cloak; a responsibility.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient mantellum "cloak", a diminutive of 'mantum', cloak.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval mantel "cloak", the same word gave 'mantel' over a fireplace.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s mantle "cloak", 'take up the mantle' comes from Elijah passing his cloak to Elisha.