yashmak

Where does the word "yashmak" come from? It comes from Proto-Turkic yaĺ-, passing through Turkish before entering English (1835-45).

Yashmak’s story begins in Proto-Turkic: yaĺ- meant “to cover.” Root meaning "to cover, close". By medieval, the word had taken hold in Turkish as yaşmak. Developed into the name for a face veil covering all but the eyes. It reached English by 1835-45 as yashmak. Entered English through descriptions of Ottoman women's dress. Today, yashmak means a veil covering the lower face, traditionally worn by Muslim women in Turkey.

1. Stage 1 · Proto-Turkic · ancient yaĺ- "to cover", root meaning "to cover, close".
2. Stage 2 · Turkish · medieval yaşmak "face veil", developed into the name for a face veil covering all but the eyes.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1835-45 yashmak "Turkish face veil", entered English through descriptions of Ottoman women's dress.