Etymology Map
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Quarry

3 stages from Medieval Latin to English.

Today it means a place where stone is dug out

Where does the word "quarry" come from? It comes from Medieval Latin quadraria, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
quadraria
Medieval Latin · medieval
"stone pit"
from 'quadrare', to square: a place where stone was cut square
2
Stage 2 of 3
quarriere
Old French · medieval
"stone pit"
masons squared blocks there
3
Stage 3 of 3
quarry
English · 1400s
"stone pit"
'quarry' as hunted prey comes from a different word
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Read the full story

Quarry’s story begins in Medieval Latin: quadraria meant “stone pit.” From 'quadrare', to square: a place where stone was cut square. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as quarriere. Masons squared blocks there. It reached English by 1400s as quarry. 'quarry' as hunted prey comes from a different word. Today, quarry means a place where stone is dug out.