reward

Where does the word "reward" come from? It comes from Frankish wardon, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Reward’s story begins in Frankish: wardon meant “to guard, watch.” A Frankish word related to 'ward'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as rewarder. Norman French of Parisian 'regarder'. It reached English by 1300s as reward. Split from 'regard' with a different sense. Today, reward means something given in return for service.

1. Stage 1 · Frankish · ancient wardon "to guard, watch", a Frankish word related to 'ward'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval rewarder "to look at, regard", Norman French of Parisian 'regarder'.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s reward "regard; recompense", split from 'regard' with a different sense.