1
Stage 1 of 4
pendere
Latin · ancient
"to hang, cause to hang"
the basic verb of hanging gave rise to a frequentative form
2
Stage 2 of 4
pencher
Old French · 1200s
"to incline, lean"
the literal sense of hanging tipped into a figurative one of leaning or inclining
3
Stage 3 of 4
penchant
French · 1600s
"a strong inclination"
the present participle was turned into a noun for a settled inclination
4
Stage 4 of 4
penchant
English · 1670s
"a strong liking or taste for something"
adopted whole for a natural taste or leaning
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