hod
/hɒd/
noun
Origin
Middle Dutch
hodde — a small trough
Overview
Meaning Now
- a V-shaped trough carried on the shoulder, typically for holding bricks or mortar
- a portable box or trough for carrying coal
Literal older meaning
a small wooden trough or box
Language path
Middle Dutch → Middle English → English
Earliest form
hod
Earliest period
15th century
Journey
The hod has been an essential tool in masonry for centuries. Its design allows a laborer to balance a heavy load of bricks or mortar on one shoulder while keeping the other hand free to steady the load or aid in climbing scaffolding.
Evolution
- Middle Dutch
hodde
“a container or trough”
- Middle English
hod
“a box for coal or mortar”
likely imported via trade with the Low Countries
- Modern English
hod
“mason's tool for carrying building materials”
Connections
Word parts
hod
root
trough/container
Related across languages
Dutch
trough
Explore next
Related to hod
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.