Etymograph

English

fait accompli

Fait accompli comes from French fait accompli.

  1. Frenchc. 1600–presentfait accompli
  2. Englishearliest quotation 1857same form

attested reconstructed ? uncertain or disputed

Lineage

  1. Frenchc. 1600–presentfait accompli
  2. Englishearliest quotation 1857same form

Earliest quotation: 1857, Anthony Trollope, Mr. Slope’s Parting Interview with the Signora: “Mr. Quiverful's appointment to the hospital was, however, a…”

Every English word from French fait accompli

Today it means

noun Something which has already happened, before those affected had the chance to raise objections or queries; especially, such a thing that cannot be undone.

Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.

Etymograph / French fait accompli / fait accompli

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