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Where does the word "robe" come from? It comes from Frankish rauba, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).
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Where does the word "robe" come from? It comes from Frankish rauba, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).
Robe’s story begins in Frankish: rauba meant “booty, spoils.” A Germanic word related to 'rob'; clothing was the typical plunder. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as robe. 'wardrobe' means 'guard for robes'. It reached English by 1200s as robe. 'bathrobe' dates from the 1900s. Today, robe means a long loose outer garment.
- Stage 1 · Frankish · ancient rauba "booty, spoils", a Germanic word related to 'rob'; clothing was the typical plunder.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval robe "garment", 'wardrobe' means 'guard for robes'.
- Stage 3 · English · 1200s robe "a long gown", 'bathrobe' dates from the 1900s.