partner

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

Partner’s story begins in Latin: partitio meant “sharing, division.” From 'partire', to divide. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as parcener. A legal term for co-heirs; English respelled it by linking it to 'part'. It reached English by 1300s as partner. Romantic 'partner' became common in the 1900s. Today, partner means a person who shares or takes part with another.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient partitio "sharing, division", from 'partire', to divide.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval parcener "joint heir", a legal term for co-heirs; English respelled it by linking it to 'part'.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s partner "joint heir; sharer", romantic 'partner' became common in the 1900s.