English
template
Template may come from French templet ‘instrument for keeping the tissue stretched…’.
- Frenchc. 1600–presenttemplet‘instrument for keeping the tissue stretched when using a loom’uncertain
- Englishearliest quotation 1987template
attested reconstructed ? uncertain or disputed
Earlier history uncertain.
Lineage
- Frenchc. 1600–presenttemplet‘instrument for keeping the tissue stretched when using a loom’uncertain
- Englishearliest quotation 1987template
Earliest quotation: 1987, Paula Simmons, Spinning and weaving with wool: “The template length is adjusted to the proper fabric…”
Linked words
through Proto-Indo-European *temp- ‘to stretch, string’
antenna, contemplation, contemporaneously, 22 more
through Proto-Italic *tempos ‘stretch’
temperature, temperament, tamper, temperance, temperate, contemporaneous, tempera, 14 more
through Latin tempus ‘temple’
contemporary, temporary, tense, temper, temporal, tempo, matin, tempestuous, tempura, 13 more
Today it means
noun A physical object whose shape is used as a guide to make other objects.
Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.
Etymograph / French templet / template