prestige

Where does the word "prestige" come from? It comes from Latin praestigium, passing through French before entering English (1650s-1815).

Prestige’s story begins in Latin: praestigium meant “illusion, delusion.” From praestringere, 'to blindfold, dazzle' - a word for a conjuror's trick. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as prestige. Kept the sense of conjuring deception and false glamour. It reached English by 1650s-1815 as prestige. Entered meaning 'trick, illusion'; by the Napoleonic era the sense had flipped positive, tied to a dazzling reputation. Today, prestige means widespread respect and admiration based on achievement or status.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient praestigium "illusion, delusion", from praestringere, 'to blindfold, dazzle' - a word for a conjuror's trick.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1500s prestige "deceit, illusion, glamour", kept the sense of conjuring deception and false glamour.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1650s-1815 prestige "a reputation for excellence or influence", entered meaning 'trick, illusion'; by the Napoleonic era the sense had flipped positive, tied to a dazzling reputation.