chapter
/ˈtʃæptər/
noun
Origin
Latin
capitulum — a chapter, a small head
Overview
Meaning Now
- A main division of a book, document, or written work.
- A local branch or sub-organization of a larger society or fraternity.
- A period of time or a distinct phase in a person's life or history.
Literal older meaning
A small head (diminutive of 'caput').
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
chapitre
Earliest period
13th century
Journey
The term originally referred to the reading of a 'chapter' from a monastic rule or the Bible during a communal meeting; this gave rise to the secondary meaning of an ecclesiastical council or assembly, which later extended to secular organizations.
Evolution
- Classical Latin
caput
“head”
The ultimate PIE root for 'head'.
- Late/Medieval Latin
capitulum
“a section of a book, a council”
A diminutive form referring to a division or 'small head'.
- Old French
chapitre
“a division of a book”
Adopted into Middle English following the Norman Conquest.
- Modern English
chapter
“a division of a book, a branch of an organization”
The spelling was altered under the influence of the original Latin 'capitulum' or related forms.
Connections
Word parts
caput
root
head
-ulum
suffix
diminutive marker
Related across languages
French
chapitre
chapter
Spanish
capítulo
chapter
Italian
capitolo
chapter
Explore next
Related to chapter
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.