russet
/ˈrʌsɪt/
adjective
Origin
Latin
russus — red, reddish
Overview
Meaning Now
- Of a reddish-brown color.
- Formerly, a coarse, homespun cloth of a reddish-brown or neutral color, often worn by country folk.
Literal older meaning
reddish
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
russet
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
In the medieval period, 'russet' referred specifically to an inexpensive, durable wool cloth dyed with woad and madder to produce a dull, earthy brown. It became a symbol of rustic or peasant life, frequently associated with the humble dress of laborers.
Evolution
- Latin
russus
“red”
- Vulgar Latin
russellus
“reddish”
Diminutive form of russus.
- Old French
rousset
“reddish-brown cloth”
- Middle English
russet
“coarse reddish-brown fabric”
- Modern English
russet
“reddish-brown color”
Connections
Word parts
russ
root
red
et
suffix
diminutive
Related across languages
French
roux
red-haired
Italian
rosso
red
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Related to russet
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.