chaperone

Overview

Meaning Now

• A person who accompanies and looks after another person or group of people, especially a young person on social occasions.
• A protein that assists in the folding or unfolding of other proteins.

Journey

The term originally denoted a type of hood worn by men and women in the Middle Ages. The transition to the social sense occurred because an older woman wearing such a hood would often accompany a younger woman in public, providing protection and social respectability.

Evolution

1. Late Latin (c. 5th century)

   cappa

   “a hooded cloak”

2. Old French (c. 12th century)

   chaperon

   “a hood or headcovering”

   Initially referred to the garment itself.

3. Middle French (c. 16th century)

   chaperon

   “a person who protects or accompanies”

   Metaphorical shift; one who provides 'cover' or protection.

4. English (18th century)

   chaperone

   “a social escort”

   Standardized spelling variant.

Connections

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Related to chaperone

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