parliament
ˈpɑːrləmənt
noun
Origin
Old French
parler — to speak
Overview
Meaning Now
- The highest legislative body in a country, consisting of members who are either elected or appointed to represent the people and create laws.
Literal older meaning
a speaking or discussion
Language path
Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
parlement
Earliest period
13th century
Journey
The term originally denoted a 'talking' session rather than the institutional body itself. In medieval England, it evolved from the 'Great Council' of the King, where nobles were summoned to discuss and consent to policies and taxes.
Evolution
- 11th century (Vulgar Latin)
parabolāre
“to talk”
Derived from 'parabola' (speech/parable).
- 12th century (Old French)
parlement
“a conference, a discussion”
Action of speaking.
- 13th century (Anglo-Norman)
parlement
“a council or body of people meeting for discussion”
Specifically referring to the King's council.
- 14th century (Middle English)
parliament
“a formal legislative assembly”
Standardization of spelling begins.
Connections
Word parts
parl-
root
speak
-iament
suffix
process or result of action
Related across languages
French
parlement
discussion or parliamentary body
Italian
parlamento
parliament
Explore next
Related to parliament
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.