1
Stage 1 of 4
tabula
Latin · ancient
"a board, writing tablet"
a plain word for a flat board or writing tablet
2
Stage 2 of 4
table
Old French · 1100s
"a slab; a small picture panel"
plus the diminutive suffix -eau, coined for a small painted panel
3
Stage 3 of 4
tableau
French · 1100s
"a picture, painting"
settled into the general word for a picture or painting
4
Stage 4 of 4
tableau
English · 1690s
"a vivid, picturesque scene or description"
borrowed for a vivid, picture-like scene or grouping of figures
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