Fiacre

/fiˈɑkər/ or /ˈfiːɑkər/ noun

Definition

A small, four-wheeled cab for hire; a taxi, especially in Paris or other European cities historically.

Etymology

From French 'fiacre,' ultimately named after Saint Fiacre, an Irish saint. In 17th-century Paris, cabs were first rented from a stable near the Saint-Fiacre chapel. The name stuck and the word entered English through French influence.

Kelly Says

Saint Fiacre would be amazed—a fourth-century Irish monk is remembered today because his name got attached to Parisian taxis, and that linguistic accident preserved his memory in multiple languages.

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