Etymology Map
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Ordain

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to make someone a priest; to decree

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
ordinare
Latin · ancient
"to put in order"
from 'ordo', order
2
Stage 2 of 3
ordener
Old French · medieval
"to arrange; to consecrate"
used for appointing priests
3
Stage 3 of 3
ordain
English · 1200s
"to appoint to office"
'ordinary' and 'ordinance' share the root
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Read the full story

Ordain’s story begins in Latin: ordinare meant “to put in order.” From 'ordo', order. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as ordener. Used for appointing priests. It reached English by 1200s as ordain. 'ordinary' and 'ordinance' share the root. Today, ordain means to make someone a priest; to decree.