Etymology Map
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Mantle

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a loose cloak; a responsibility

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

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

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.