Etymograph

English

marquis

Marquis comes from Old French markis, and goes back to Late Latin marchensis.

  1. Late Latinc. 200–600 CEmarchensis
  2. Old Frenchc. 842–1400markis
  3. Middle Englishc. 1150–1500same form
  4. Englishtodaymarquis

attested reconstructed ? uncertain or disputed

Earlier history not traced here.

Lineage

  1. Late Latinc. 200–600 CEmarchensis
  2. Old Frenchc. 842–1400markis
  3. Middle Englishc. 1150–1500same form
  4. Englishtodaymarquis

The story

Meaning is “lord of the march”, in sense of march (‘border country’).

Linked words

through Late Latin marchensis

marchese

Today it means

noun A nobleman in England, France, and Germany, of a rank next below that of duke, but above a count. Originally, the marquis was an officer whose duty was to guard the marches or frontiers of the kingdom. The office has ceased, and the name is now a mere title conferred by letters patent or letters close.

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

Etymograph / Late Latin marchensis / marquis

Shirt and support for this word