Etymology Map
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Pendant

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a piece of jewellery hanging from a chain

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
pendere
Latin · ancient
"to hang"
the root of 'pendulum'
2
Stage 2 of 3
pendant
Old French · medieval
"hanging"
present participle of 'pendre'
3
Stage 3 of 3
pendant
English · 1300s
"hanging ornament"
jewellery 'pendants' followed
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Read the full story

Pendant’s story begins in Latin: pendere meant “to hang.” The root of 'pendulum'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as pendant. Present participle of 'pendre'. It reached English by 1300s as pendant. Jewellery 'pendants' followed. Today, pendant means a piece of jewellery hanging from a chain.