order

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

Order’s story begins in Latin: ordo meant “row, rank.” Originally a row of threads in a loom. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as ordre. Religious 'orders' of monks and knights. It reached English by 1200s as order. 'to order' goods dates from the 1800s. Today, order means the arrangement of things; a command.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient ordo "row, rank", originally a row of threads in a loom.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval ordre "order, rank", religious 'orders' of monks and knights.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s order "rank; arrangement", 'to order' goods dates from the 1800s.