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Where does the word "patrol" come from? It comes from French patouiller, passing through French before entering English (1660s).
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Where does the word "patrol" come from? It comes from French patouiller, passing through French before entering English (1660s).
Patrol’s story begins in French: patouiller meant “to paddle in mud.” From 'patte', paw. Within French, it grew into patrouille by 1600s. Soldiers tramping through the mud. It reached English by 1660s as patrol. Police 'patrol' cars date from the 1900s. Today, patrol means a person or group keeping watch.
- Stage 1 · French · 1500s patouiller "to paddle in mud", from 'patte', paw.
- Stage 2 · French · 1600s patrouille "night watch", soldiers tramping through the mud.
- Stage 3 · English · 1660s patrol "guard round", police 'patrol' cars date from the 1900s.