pavilion

Where does the word "pavilion" come from? It comes from Latin papilio, passing through Old French and English before entering English (1680s-1858).

Pavilion’s story begins in Latin: papilio meant “butterfly.” Originally 'butterfly, moth'. By 1100s, the word had taken hold in Old French as paveillon. Applied to a large tent, whose spread canvas resembled wings. From there it passed into English as paviloun by 1200s. Borrowed for a stately, movable tent-house. It reached English by 1680s-1858 as pavilion. Widened to an open park structure, then to an isolated wing attached to a larger building. Today, pavilion means a building or structure used for entertainment, exhibitions, or as an attached wing.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient papilio "butterfly", originally 'butterfly, moth'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · 1100s paveillon "a large tent", applied to a large tent, whose spread canvas resembled wings.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s paviloun "a large, elaborate tent", borrowed for a stately, movable tent-house.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1680s-1858 pavilion "an open building for shelter or entertainment", widened to an open park structure, then to an isolated wing attached to a larger building.