parcel

Where does the word "parcel" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin particula, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Parcel’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: particula meant “small part.” A diminutive of 'pars', part. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as parcelle. A portion of land or goods. It reached English by 1300s as parcel. A wrapped package dates from the 1600s. Today, parcel means a wrapped package; a piece of land.

1. Stage 1 · Vulgar Latin · ancient particula "small part", a diminutive of 'pars', part.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval parcelle "small piece", a portion of land or goods.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s parcel "a portion", a wrapped package dates from the 1600s.