chassis
/ˈʃæsi/
noun
Origin
Old French
chassiz — a frame, specifically a window frame
Overview
Meaning Now
- The base frame of a motor vehicle or other wheeled machine, to which the engine, wheels, and body are attached.
- The metal or plastic case in which the electrical components of a computer, radio, or other electronic device are housed.
Literal older meaning
frame, framework
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle French → English
Earliest form
chassis
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
The word originally referred to a window frame or a case. It was later adapted by the French in the early 20th century to denote the skeletal frame of the burgeoning automobile, a usage which English borrowed directly.
Evolution
- Latin
capsa
“box, case”
- Old French
chassiz
“frame, window frame”
Evolved from 'chasse' (case/box).
- Middle French
chassis
“frame, structure”
- Modern English
chassis
“vehicle frame or electronic enclosure”
Adopted via French military/automotive context.
Connections
Word parts
chass-
root
case/frame
-is
suffix
nominalizing suffix
Related across languages
French
châssis
frame
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Related to chassis
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.