ventail

noun

ven·tail ˈven-ˌtāl

: the lower movable front of a medieval helmet

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ventaile, borrowed from Anglo-French ventaille, from venter "to blow, fan" (derivative of vent "wind," going back to Latin ventus) + -aille, deverbal and denominal suffix, originally collective (going back to Latin -ālia -al entry 2) — more at wind entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of ventail was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Ventail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ventail. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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