pinch

Where does the word "pinch" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin pinctiare, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Pinch’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: pinctiare meant “to pinch.” A Vulgar Latin word of uncertain origin. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as pincier. Norman French 'pinchier'. It reached English by 1200s as pinch. 'pinch' meaning to steal is 1600s slang. Today, pinch means to squeeze between finger and thumb.

1. Stage 1 · Vulgar Latin · ancient pinctiare "to pinch", a Vulgar Latin word of uncertain origin.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval pincier "to pinch", Norman French 'pinchier'.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s pinch "to squeeze", 'pinch' meaning to steal is 1600s slang.