praline

Where does the word "praline" come from? It comes from French Praslin, passing through French before entering English (1727-1809).

Praline’s story begins in French: Praslin meant “a French noble family's surname.” The surname of Marshal Duplessis-Praslin, whose cook is credited with inventing the confection. Within French, it grew into praline by 1600s. Named an almond-and-caramelized-sugar candy after the Marshal. It reached English by 1727-1809 as praline. Borrowed for the same candy, later widening to similar sugar-and-nut confections. Today, praline means a confection made of nuts and caramelized sugar.

1. Stage 1 · French · 1600s Praslin "a French noble family's surname", the surname of Marshal Duplessis-Praslin, whose cook is credited with inventing the confection.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1600s praline "an almond-sugar confection", named an almond-and-caramelized-sugar candy after the Marshal.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1727-1809 praline "a nut-and-caramelized-sugar confection", borrowed for the same candy, later widening to similar sugar-and-nut confections.