tunic

Where does the word "tunic" come from? It comes from Latin tunica, passing through Old French before entering English (1000s).

Tunic’s story begins in Latin: tunica meant “tunic.” Possibly of Semitic origin, like Hebrew 'kuttoneth'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as tunique. The basic Roman garment. It reached English by 1000s as tunic. Military tunics date from the 1800s. Today, tunic means a loose garment reaching the knees.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient tunica "tunic", possibly of Semitic origin, like Hebrew 'kuttoneth'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval tunique "tunic", the basic Roman garment.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1000s tunic "loose garment", military tunics date from the 1800s.