Cadeau

/kæˈdoʊ/ noun

Definition

A gift or present, especially in a formal or ceremonial context.

Etymology

From French 'cadeau,' derived from Latin 'capitellum,' a diminutive of 'caput' (head). The word originally meant something small and precious, evolving to mean 'gift.'

Kelly Says

This French borrowing into English shows how luxury concepts traveled with the Norman French into English culture—'cadeau' appears in English documents when discussing royal or noble gift-giving.

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