pattern

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

Pattern’s story begins in Latin: patronus meant “protector, model.” From 'pater', father. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as patron. A model to be copied, like a patron to be imitated. It reached English by 1300s as pattern. 'pattern' split from 'patron' in the 1500s. Today, pattern means a repeated design; a model.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient patronus "protector, model", from 'pater', father.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval patron "model, pattern", a model to be copied, like a patron to be imitated.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s pattern "model", 'pattern' split from 'patron' in the 1500s.