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Where does the word "marionette" come from? It comes from French Marion, passing through French before entering English (1620s).
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Where does the word "marionette" come from? It comes from French Marion, passing through French before entering English (1620s).
Marionette’s story begins in French: Marion meant “little Mary.” A pet form of Marie, Mary. Within French, it grew into marionnette by 1500s. Perhaps first used for figures of the Virgin Mary; later any puppet. It reached English by 1620s as marionette. Borrowed with French puppet shows. Today, marionette means a puppet worked by strings.
- Stage 1 · French · medieval Marion "little Mary", a pet form of Marie, Mary.
- Stage 2 · French · 1500s marionnette "puppet", perhaps first used for figures of the Virgin Mary; later any puppet.
- Stage 3 · English · 1620s marionette "string puppet", borrowed with French puppet shows.