b

babe < middle english baban < imitative origin [of babe talk].

baccalaureate < modern latin baccalaureatus < baccalaureus (= student with the first degree) < medieval latin baccalarius (= university student in the first degree) < (?) 1. latin baculum (= a stick, staff) [which the young student might carry] or 2. middle english bachelor (q.v.).

bachelor < middle english bachelor (= young man, young knight) < old french bachel(i)er / bachelor (= knight bachelor, young man) < (?) 1. medieval latin baccalarius (= vassal farmer, adult serf without a landholding) < baccalaria (= land in the lord’s possession) (< (?) latin vaccula, a diminutive of vacca (= cow)) or 2. latin baculum (= a stick, staff) [because the squire would practice with a staff, not with a sword].

bacillus < late latin bacillus (= wand), a diminutive of baculum (= a stick, staff, walking stick).

back < old english bæc (= back) < proto-germanic *bakam.

backgammon < baggammon < old english bæc (= back) (< proto-germanic *bakam) + middle english gamen (= joy, fun, game) (< proto-germanic [prefix] *ga- (= with, together) + *mann (+ person) [because sometimes the pieces in this game are forced to go back].

bacon < old french bacon < proto-germanic *bakkon (= back meat).

bacteria < modern latin bacteria, plural of bacterium (< ancient greek βακτήριον | baktērion (= small staff), a diminutive of βάκτρον | baktron (= a stick, staff, walking stick)) [so called because the shape of first ones observed was like a walking stick].

bad < (?) old english bæddeland / its diminutive bædling (= effeminate man, hermaphrodite, pederast) < (?) related to bædan (= defile).

bag < middle english bagge < (?) 1. old norse baggi (= pack, bundle) or 2. old french bague < germanic origin.

bagatelle < french bagatelle < italian bagatella (= a trifle).

baggage < old french bagage (= military baggage) < bague (= pack, sack).

baguette < french baguette (= wand, stick) < italian bacchetta, a diminutive of bacchio (= rod) < latin baculum (= a stick, staff, walking stick).

Bahamas < (?) spanish baja mar (= low sea) [in reference to the shallow water in these islands].

bain-marie < french bain-marie < medieval latin balneum Mariae (= “bath of Mary”) [(?) so called for the gentleness of its heating] < latin balneum (= bath) + Maria [gen. Mariae] (< ancient greek Μαρία, Μαριάμ | Maria(m) < aramaic Maryam < hebrew Miryam).

bake < old english bacan < proto-germanic *bakan (= bake).

balance < old french balance (= balance, scales for weighing) < medieval latin bilancia < late latin bilanx < latin [libra] bilanx (= [scale] with two pans) < (?) bis (= twice) + lanx [gen. lancis] (= plate, scale of a balance).

balcony < italian balcone < balco (= scaffold) < germanic origin.

Baldwin < old french Baldoin < related to old high german Baldawin (< bald (= bold) + wini (= friend))].

ball1 (= spherical body) < (?) 1. old english *beal(l) or 2. old norse bollr (= ball) (< proto-germanic *balluz < I.E. *bhel- (= blow)).

ball2 (= dancing party) < old french baller (= to dance) < late latin ballo [inf. ballare] (= to dance) < ancient greek βαλλίζω | ballizō (= to dance, jump about, throw) < βάλλω | ballō (= to throw).

ballad < old french ballade (= dancing song) < old provençal ballada (= dancing poem) < balar (= to dance) < late latin ballo [inf. ballare] (= to dance) < ancient greek βαλλίζω | ballizō (= to dance, throw) < βάλλω | ballō (= to throw).

ballet < french ballette < italian balletto, a diminutive of ballo (= a dance) < late latin ballo [inf. ballare] (= to dance) < ancient greek βαλλίζω | ballizō (= to dance, throw) < βάλλω | ballō (= to throw).

banana < portuguese banana < west african origin.

band (= flat strip) < middle english bende < old english bend (= bond, fetter, chain) < old norse band / old french bande (= strip, edge, side) < proto-germanic *bindan.

bank (= earthen incline near water) < proto-germanic *bankon (= slope).

bank (= financial institution) < middle french banque (= table) / old italian banca (= table) < proto-germanic *bankiz- (= shelf) / *bankon- (= slope).

bankrupt < italian banca rotta < banca (< old italian banca (= table)) + rotta (= broken) (< latin rupta, female past participle of rumpo [inf. rumpere] (= to break)).

banner < old french baniere (= flag, banner) < late latin bandum (= standard) < proto-germanic *bandwa- (= banner, standard).

baptize < old french batisier < latin baptizo [inf. baptizare] < ancient greek βαπτίζω | baptizō (= dip in water) < βάπτω | baptō (= to dip, dye, color).

bar < old french barre (= beam, gate, barrier) < vulgar latin *barra (= bar, barrier).

barbarian < medieval latin barbarinus < latin barbarus (= foreign, barbarous) < ancient greek βάρβαρος | barbaros (= not greek speaking, foreign, strange, barbarous) < I.E. *bar-bar- [echoic of unintelligible speech of foreigners].

barbecue < american spanish barbacoa < arawakan (of Haiti) barbakoa (= framework of sticks set upon posts).

barber < anglo-french barbour < old french barb(i)eor < vulgar latin *barbator < latin barba (= beard).

Barcelona < spanish Barcelona < mauritanian Barjalunah < phoenician [Hamlicar] Barca, the Carthaginian general [who is supposed to have founded this city].

bare < old english bær (= naked, unclothed) < proto-germanic *bazaz.

bark < middle english berken < old english beorcan (= to bark) < proto-germanic *berkan < echoic origin.

barn < old english bereærn < bere (= barley) + aern (= house).

Barnard < old english bera (= a bear) (< proto-germanic *bero (= a bear)) + old english heard (= severe, harsh) (< proto-germanic *hardu- (= hard, bold).

Barney < a shortening of 1. Barnard (q.v.) or 2. Barnaby < ancient greek Βαρνάβας | Barnabas < aramaic Bar-nebhua (= son of consolation).

baron < old french baron [nom. ber] (= baron, nobleman, military leader, lord) < (?) late latin baro (= man) which < (?) 1. frankish *baro (= freeman, man) or 2. celtic origin or 3. germanic origin.

baroque < french baroque (= irregular) < portuguese barroco (= imperfect pearl).

barrel < old french baril (= barrel, cask).

Bart < a shortening of Bartholomew < old french Barthelemieu < latin Bartholomeus < ancient greek Βαρθολομαίος | Bartholomaeos < aramaic Bar-tolmai (= son of Tolmai).

base < old french bas (= low, lowly) < late latin bassus (= thick, low, short) < (?) 1. oscan origin or 2. celtic origin.

Basel < german Basel < late latin Basileia < ancient greek βασιλεία | basiloea (= royal) < βασιλεύς | basilefs (= king).

basket < anglo-french bascat < (?) latin bascauda (= kettle, table-vessel) < (?) celtic [british] origin.

Basque < french Basque < spanish Vasco < Vascon < latin Vascones < (?) Eskualduna, the people’s name.

bass < late latin bassus (= short, low) < (?) 1. oscan origin or 2. celtic origin.

bastard < old french bastard < (?) 1. [fils de] bast (= pack-saddle [son]) [meaning a child conceived on an improvised bed] or 2. medieval latin bastardus < (?) old german *bast- / *bost- (= marriage) or 3. proto-germanic *banstiz (= barn).

Bastille < french Bastille (= fortress, gate tower) < old french bastir (= build).

bat < middle english bake < germanic origin.

bath < old english bæð < proto-germanic *badan.

batman (= officer's servant) < bat (= pack-saddle) (< old french bast < late latin bastum (= litter)) + man.

battery < middle french batterie < old french baterie (= beating, assault) < batre (= to beat) < latin bat(t)uo [inf. bat(t)uere] (= to beat, strike).

battle < old french bataille (= battle, combat) < late latin battualia (= exercise in fighting) < latin bat(t)uo [inf. bat(t)uere] (= to beat, strike).

Bauhaus < german Bauhaus < Bau (= building, construction) (< old high german buan (= dwell)) + Haus (= house) (< proto-germanic *husan).

Bavaria < latin Bavaria < Baiuvarii, Celtic tribes.

bay < old french baie < late latin baia < (?) celtic [iberian] bahia.

bazaar < italian bazarra < persian bazar (= a market) < old iranian *vaha-carana (= sale, traffic).

bazooka (= rocket launcher) < bazooka (= junkyard musical instrument) < american english [slang] bazoo (= mouth, boastful talk) < (?) dutch bazuin (= trumpet).

B.C. < Before Christ.

be < old english beom / beon / bion (= to be, exist, become) < proto-germanic *biju- (= I am, I will be) < I.E. *bheue- (= to be, exist, grow).

beach < old english bece (= stream) < proto-germanic *bakiz.

beacon < old english beacen (= sign, portent, lighthouse) < west germanic *baukna (= beacon, signal) < (?) proto-germanic *baukna- (= beacon, signal).

beam < old english beam (= living tree, rafter, post) < proto-germanic *baumaz (= tree).

bean < old english bean (= bean, pea) < proto-germanic *bauno germanic.

bear (= to bring) < old english beran (= carry, bring, give birth to) < proto-germanic *beranan < I.E. *bher-(1) (= carry a burden, bring, give birth).

bear (= a bear) < old english bera (= a bear) < proto-germanic *bero (= the brown [one], a bear) < I.E. *bher-(2) (= bright, brown).

beard < old english beard < proto-germanic *bard < (?) I.E. *bhardhā- (= beard).

beast < middle english beste < old french beste (= animal, wild beast) < vulgar latin *besta < latin bestia (= beast, wild animal).

beat < old english beatan (= strike repeatedly, thrash) < proto-germanic *bautan.

Beatrice < french Béatrice < late latin beatrix [gen. beatricis] (= who makes happy) < latin beatus (= happy, blessed), past participle of beo [inf. beare] (= make happy, bless).

beauty < middle english bealte < anglo-french beute / old french biauté < vulgar latin *bellitas [gen. bellitatis] (= state of being pleasing to the senses) < latin bellus (= pretty, charming).

beaver < old english beofor / befer < bebr < proto-germanic *bebruz < I.E. *bhebhrus < *bher-(2) (= bright, brown).

because < earlier bi cause < by cause (= for the reason that).

bed < old english bedd < proto-germanic *badja- (= sleeping place dug in the ground).

bee < old english beo < proto-germanic *bion < I.E. *bhei- (= bee).

beef < middle english beef (= ox, cow, meet from cow) < old french buef (= ox, beef, ox hide) < latin bos [gen. bovis] (= ox, cow) < I.E. *gwo-u- (= ox, bull, cow).

beer < old english beor (= strong drink, beer, mead) < (?) 1. west germanic origin < vulgar latin biber (= a drink, beverage) < latin bibo [inf. bibere] (= to drink) < I.E. *po(i)- (= to drink)) or 2. proto-germanic *beuwoz- < *beuwo- (= barley).

beetle < old english bitela (= beetle, biting insect) < bitel (= biting) < proto-germanic *bitan < I.E. *bheid- (= to split).

before < old english beforan (= in front of [in time or position]) < be- (= by, about) + proto-germanic *forana (= from the front) (< *fora < I.E. *per-(1) (= forward)).

beg < middle english beg < (?) 1. old english bedecian (= beg) < proto-germanic *beth- or 2. anglo-french begger < old french begart (= member of the [lay brother’s mendicant order] Beghards [in Low Countries]) < middle dutch beggaert (= beggar, mendicant) {< (?) Beguine [proper name] < french beguine < medieval latin beguina (= member of women’s spiritual order professing poverty) < [Lambert de] Bègue (= [Lambert the] stammerer), a priest in Liege}.

begin < old english beginnan (= to attempt, undertake) < be- (= by, about) + west germanic *-ginnan (= (?) to open).

behave < old english be- (= by, about) + have.

behind < old english behindan (= at the back of, after) < be- (= by, about) + hindan (= from behind).

behold < old english bihaldan (= give regard to, hold in view) < be- (= by, about) + h(e)aldan (= to contain, observe, control) (< proto-germanic *haldanan).

Beijing < chinese Beijing (= southern capital) < bei (= north) + jing (= capital).

Beirut < hebrew Beirut (= the wells) < be’erot, plural of be’er (= a well, spring).

Belgium < latin Belgium < Belgæ, a Celtic tribe < (?) celtic volca (= active, changeable).

belief < middle english bileave < old english geleafa (= belief, faith) < west germanic *ga-laubon (= to hold dear, trust) < *galaub- (= dear, esteemed) < [prefix] *ga- (= with, together) + I.E. *leubh- (= to care, desire, love).

bell < old english belle < I.E. *bhel-(4) (= to sound, roar).

bellow < old english bylgan (= to bellow [especially for cows]) < I.E. *bhel-(4) (= to sound, roar).

belong < middle english belong (= go along with) < be- (= by, about) + longen (= go) (< old english langian (= pertain to, go along with).

below < middle english biloogh < be- (= by, about) + logh / lou / lowe (= low).

belt < old english belt (= belt, girdle, strip) < proto-germanic *baltjaz < latin balteus (= girdle, sword belt) < etruscan origin.

bend < old english bendan (bend a bow, confine with a string, fetter) < bindan (= to bind) < proto-germanic *band (= string, band).

beneath < old english beneoðan (= under, below, further down than) < be- (= by, about) + neoðan (= below, down from below) < proto-germanic *niþar (= lower, farther down).

benefit < benefet (= noble deed, helpful action, profit) < anglo-french benfet < latin benefactum (= good deed) < bene facere < bene (= well) + facio [inf. facere] (= do, make).

Benjamin < hebrew Binyamin (= son of the right hand / son of the south) < ben (= son of) + yamin (= right hand / south).

benzene < benzine < german Benzin < Benzoesäure (= benzoic acid) (< modern latin benzoe < *lo benjui < *lobenjui < arabic luban djawi (= incense of Java)) + [suffix] -in.

Berenice < latin Berenice < ancient greek Βερενίκη | Berenikē, Φερενίκη | Pherenikē (= [she] bringer of victory) < φέρω | pherō (= bring)) + νίκη | nikē (= victory).

beret < french béret < old gascon berret (= cap) < medieval latin birretum < a diminutive of late latin birrus (= large hooded cloak) < (?) gaulish origin.

bergamot < french bergamote < 1. italian bergamotto < old turkish beg armudi (= pear of ruler) [(?) by influence of folk etymology of turkish-arabic Bergama < ancient greek Πέργαμος | Pergamos, a town in Asia Minor] or 2. italian bergamotta < Bergamo, a town in Italy < latin Bergamum < celtic / ligurian berg (= mountain).

Bermuda < spanish [Juan de] Bermudez, an explorer who discovered these islands.

Bern < german Bern < 1. old high german bero (= a bear) or 2. I.E. *ber- (= marshy place).

Bernard < german Bernhard < old high german bero (= a bear) + harti (= hard, bold).

berry < old english berie (= berry, grape) < proto-germanic *basjom.

beside < old english be sidan (= by the side of) < be- (= by, about) + sidan, dative of side (< proto-germanic *sido < *sithas (= long)).

best < old english beste < betst (= of the highest quality, first), superlative of bot (= remedy, reparation) < proto-germanic *bat- (comparative *batizon, superlative *batistaz).

bet < (?) a shortening of 1. abet (= incite, “bait”) or 2. beet (= make good).

beta < latin beta < ancient greek βήτα | bēta < phoenician beth (= house).

betray < middle english bitrayen < be- (= by, about) + middle english tray (< old french traine (= betrayal, deception) < trair (= betray, deceive) < latin trado [inf. tradere] (= hand over) < trans (= across) + do [inf. dare] (= give)).

better < old english bettra < betera (= of superior quality) < proto-germanic *batizo- < (?) I.E. *bhad- (= good) [cf. proto-germanic *bat- (comparative *batizon, superlative *batistaz)].

Betty < Bet, a shortening of Elizabeth < late latin Elisabeth < ancient greek Ελισάβετ | Elisabet < hebrew Elishebha (= God is abundant, God is an oath).

between < old english betweonum / betwinum (= in the space which separates, midway) < be- (= by, about) + tweonum, dative plural of *tweon (= two each) (< I.E. *dwo- (= two)).

beware < middle english beware < be ware (= be wary, be careful) < be + middle english ware (< old english wær (= prudent, aware, alert) < proto-germanic *waraz (= wary, cautious)).

bias < french biais (= a slant, a slope, an oblique) < (?) old provençal biais < (?) vulgar latin *(e)bigassius < ancient greek επικάρσιος | epikarsios (= athwart, crosswise) < επί | epi- (= upon) + κάρσιος | karsios (= oblique).

Bible < αnglo-latin biblia < old french bible (= the Bible) < late latin biblia (= the Bible) [neuter plural as feminine singular] < biblia [sacra] (= [holy] books) < ancient greek βιβλία [‘άγια] | biblia [hagia] (= [holy] books) < βιβλία, neutral plural of βιβλίον | biblion (= papyrus, scroll, book) < βύβλος | byblos [female] (= papyrus) < Βύβλος | Byblos (< phoenician Gebhal (= (?) frontier town / mountain town)), a Phoenician city [from which was exported the elaborated Egyptian papyrus].

bicycle < bi- (< latin bis (= twice)) + cycle (< late latin cyclus < ancient greek κύκλος | kyklos (= circle, wheel)).

biennial < latin biennium (= two-year period) < bis (= twice) + annus (= year).

big < (?) scandinavian source (cf. norwegian bugge (= great man)).

Big Ben < big + Ben, a shortening of Benjamin [Hall]) [under whose supervision this bell was cast for the Parliament tower of London in 1861].

bijou < french bijou (= small item of ornamental jewelry) < (?) breton bizou (= [jeweled] ring) < biz, bez (= finger).

bikini < french bikini, named for the nuclear bomb test in 1946 on Bikini, the Marshall Islands atoll, locally Pikinni < (?) pik (= surface) + ni (= coconut) [(?) so called from the analogy of the explosive force of the bomb and the “killing” impact of the swimsuit on men].

bill < anglo-french bille / anglo-latin billa (= list, seal) < medieval latin bulla (= seal, sealed document) < latin bulla (= bubble, stud, knob, amulet).

billiards < french billiard (= wooden cue stick) < a diminutive of old french bille (= stick of wood) < medieval latin billia (= tree, trunk) < (?) gaulish origin.

billion < french billion < bi- (< latin bis (= twice) + million (< middle english milioun < old french million < italian millione (= a great thousand), an augmentative of mille (= a thousand) < latin mille (= a thousand)).

binary < late latin binarius (= consisting of two) < bini, plural of binus (= twofold) < bis (= twice, doubly) < old latin dvis < I.E. *dwo- (= two).

bind < old english bindan (= tie up with bonds) < proto-germanic *bindanan.

binocular < french binoculaire < latin bini, plural of binus (= twofold) (< bis (= double, twice)) + ocularis (= of the eye) (< oculus (= eye)).

biology < ancient greek βίος | bios (= life) + -λογία | -logia (= study) (< λόγος | logos (= a speaking) < λέγω | legō (= speak)).

bionic < bionics < bio[logy] + [electro]nics.

bird < old english bird < bridd (= young bird, nestling).

birth < middle english birth < proto-germanic *gaburthis < I.E. *bhrto < *bher-(1) (= carry, bear child).

bis- < latin bis (= twice, doubly) < old latin dvis < I.E. *dwo- (= two).

biscuit < bisket < besquite < old french bescuit [by influence of cognate old italian biscotto] < medieval latin biscoctum (= twice-baked) < latin [panis] bis coctus (= [bread] twice-baked) < bis (= twice) + coctus, past participle of coquo [inf. coquere] (= to cook, bake).

bishop < old english bisceop < late latin episcopus < ancient greek επίσκοπος | episkopos (= watcher, overseer, bishop) {> french évêque, italian vescovo, spanish obispo, old high german biscof} < επί | epi- (= on, upon) + σκοπός | skopos (= watcher) (< σκέπτομαι | skeptomae (= watch, examine, think)).

bison < french bison < latin bison (= wild ox) < proto-germanic *wisand-.

bistro < french bistro(t) (= little wineshop or restaurant) < (?) 1. bistonille (= kind of coffee with alcohol) < bis- (< latin bis (= twice)) + touiller (= mix) or 2. bistraud (= little shepherd) < biste (= goat) or 3. russian bee-stra (= quickly).

bit < old english bite (= act of biting) / bita (= piece bitten off) < proto-germanic *biton < I.E. *bheid- (= to split).

bitch < old english bicce (= female dog) < (?) old norse bikkjuna (= female dog, female wolf).

bite < old english bitan (= pierce with teeth) < proto-germanic *beitanan / *biton < I.E. *bheid- (= to split).

bizarre < french bizarre (= odd, fantastic) < italian bizarro (= irascible, eccentric, weird) < bizza (= fit of anger).

black < old english blæc (= absolutely dark) < proto-germanic *blakaz (= burned) < I.E. *bhleg- (= to burn, shine) < *bhel-(1) (= to shine, flash, burn).

blade < old english blæd (= leaf, leaf-like part) < proto-germanic *bladaz.

blame < old french blasmer (= to rebuke, reprimand, condemn, criticize) < vulgar latin *blastemo [inf. blastemare] < late latin blasphemo [inf. blasphemare] (= to blaspheme) < ancient greek βλασφημώ | blasphēmō (= to blaspheme) < (?) βλάπτω | blaptō (= damage, hurt) + φήμη | phēmē (= fame).

Blanche < french Blanche < old french blanc (= white) < frankish *blank (= white, gleaming).

blank < old french blanc (= white, shining) < frankish *blank (= white, gleaming) < proto-germanic *blangkaz (= to shine) < I.E. *bhel-(1) (= to shine, flash, burn).

blanket < old french blanchet (= light wool or flannel cloth), a diminutive of blanc (= white, white cloth) < frankish *blank (= white, gleaming).

blare < 1. old english *blæren < (?) echoic origin or 2. middle dutch bleren (= to bleat, cry, shout) < (?) echoic origin.

blast < old english blæst (= a blowing, a breeze) < proto-germanic *bles- < I.E. *bhle- (= to blow).

blaze < old english blæse (= torch, firebrand) < proto-germanic *blas- < I.E. *bhel-(1) (= to shine, flash, burn).

bleed < old english bledan < proto-germanic *blodjan (= emit blood).

blend < middle english blenden < old english blandan (= to mix) / old norse blanda (= to mix) < proto-germanic *blandan (= to mix) < I.E. *bhel-(1) (= to shine, flash, burn).

bless < old english bletsian / bledsian (= consecrate by a religious rite, make holy) < proto-germanic *blodison (= hallow or mark with blood [on altars]) < *blotham (= blood).

blind < old english blind (= destitute of sight, dark, obscure) < (?) proto-germanic *blindaz (= blind) < I.E. *bhel-(1) (= to shine, flash, burn).

block < french bloquer (= to block, stop up) / blok(ke) (= large solid piece of wood) < old french bloc (= log, block of wood) < germanic origin.

blog (= online journal [1998]) < a shortening of weblog (= file containing a record of requests received by a web server [1993]) < [world wide] web + log (= record of observations or readings).

blond < old french blont (= fair, blond) < (?) 1. frankish *blund (= yellow) or 2. vulgar latin *blundus < latin flavus (= yellow) or 3. vulgar latin *albundus < latin albus (= white).

blood < old english blod < proto-germanic *blodam (= blood).

bloom < proto-germanic *blomon < I.E. *bhle- < *bhel-(3) (= thrive, bloom).

blossom < old english blostm(a) (= flower) < proto-germanic *blo-s- < I.E. *bhlow- < *bhel-(3) (= thrive, bloom).

blow < old english blawan (= blow, breathe, sound) < proto-germanic *blæ-anan < I.E. *bhle- (= blow).

blue < middle english bleu / blwe (= sky-colored, lead-colored) < old french blo / bleu (= pale, light-colored, blond, blue, blue-gray) < frankish *blao < proto-germanic *blæwaz < I.E. *bhle- (= light-colored, blue, blond, yellow) < *bhel-(1) (= to shine, flash, burn).

Bmx (= dirt-track bicycle racing) < [1978] bicycle motocross.

board < old english bord (= border, rim, side of ship) < proto-germanic *burdan.

boat < old english bat < proto-germanic *bait- < (?) I.E. *bheid- (= to split).

Bob < a shortening of old french Robert < old high german Hrodberht < hrod- (= fame, glory) + *berth (= bright).

body < old english bodig (= trunk of a man or beast).

bog < gaelic / irish bogach (= bog) < bog (= soft, moist) < proto-celtic *buggo- (= flexible).

Bohemia < middle french Boheme < latin Boiohaemum < Boii, a Celtic tribe ( < celtic bhoi (= war)) + proto-germanic *haimaz (= home).

boil < old french bolir (= boil, bubble up, gush) < latin bulio [inf. bullire] (= to bubble, seethe).

bold < old english b(e)ald (= brave, strong) < proto-germanic *balthaz.

bolero < spanish bolero < (?) bola (= ball) < latin bulla (= round swelling, knob).

bolt < old english bolt (= short, stout arrow with a heavy head, crossbow for throwing bolts) < proto-germanic *bultas.

bomb < french bombe < italian bomba < latin bombus (= deep and hollow noise, buzzing sound) < ancient greek βόμβος | bombos (= deep and hollow sound) < echoic origin.

Bonaparte < french [Napoleon] Bonaparte < italian Buonaparte < buona (= good) [female] (< latin bonus, -a, -um (= good)) + parte (= part, share) (< latin pars [gen. partis] (= part, piece)).

bond < middle english bond < (?) old norse *bonda < boande / buande (= occupier of soil, peasant, husbandman) < boande / buande, past participle of boa / bua (= to dwell).

bone < old english ban (= bone, tusk) < proto-germanic *bainan.

bonus < latin bonus (= good, well).

book < old english boc (= book, writing, written document) < proto-germanic *bok(o)- < *bokiz (= beech) [as a writing material].

boomerang < aboriginal (of Australia) wo-mur-rang.

boot < old french bote (= boot) < (?) germanic origin.

booth < middle english booth (= temporary structure, a saling stall at a fair) < old danish boþ (= temporary dwelling) < east norse *boa (= to dwell) < proto-germanic *bowan-.

border < middle english bordure (= broad, colored band surrounding the shield) [in heraldry] < old french bordeure (= seam, border, edge of a shield) < frankish *bord.

bore < old english borian (= to bore through, perforate) < bor (= auger) < proto-germanic *buron < I.E. *bhorh- (= hole).

borrow < old english borgian (= to lend) < proto-germanic *burg- (= pledge).

boss < american english boss < dutch baas (= a master) < middle dutch baes.

Boston < Botolph's stone [(?) from the name of a landowner] < Botolph (< old english Botwulf) + stone.

both < 1. old english begen (= both) < proto-germanic *bai < I.E. *bho (= both)) + [suffix] -þ or 2. proto-germanic ba, female of begen (= both)) + þa, plural of se (= that)) or 3. old norse baðir (= both) < *bai thaiz (= both the) < proto-germanic *thaiz (= they).

bother < ba(u)ther / bodder (= to bewilder, confuse, give trouble to) < (?) anglo-irish pother < (?) irish bodhairim (= deafen).

Botox < bo-tox [2002] < botulinum toxin [a neurotoxic protein] < botulinum (< medieval latin botulus (= sausage)) + toxin [< toxic (< late latin toxicus (= poisoned) < latin toxicum (= poison) < ancient greek τοξικόν [φάρμακον] | toxikon [pharmakon] (= [poison] for the arrows of a bow) < τόξον | toxon (= bow)] + [suffix] -in.

bottle < middle english bottle (= leather vessel) < old french boteille < vulgar latin *butticula < a diminutive of late latin buttis (= a cask) < (?) ancient greek origin.

bottom < old english botm / bodan (= ground, soil, foundation) < proto-germanic *buthm-.

bouffant < french bouffant, present participle of bouffer (= to puff out) < old french bouffer < vulgar latin *bufo [inf. buffare].

boulevard < french boulevard (= top surface of a bastion, broad street with rows of trees) < middle dutch bolwerc (= wall of a fortification).

bounce < middle english bounsen (= to thump, hit) < (?) 1. dutch bonzen (= to beat, thump) or 2. low german bunsen or 3. imitative origin.

bound < anglo-latin bunda < old french bonde (= limit, boundary) < bodne < medieval latin bodina < (?) gaulish origin.

bouquet < french bouquet (= little wood, bunch of flowers) < old french bo(s)chet, a diminutive of bosco < medieval latin boscus (= grove).

bourgeois < french bourgeois (= pertaining to the middle class) < old french burgeis / borjois (= town dweller, not a peasant) < borc (= town, village) < frankish *burg (= city) < I.E. *bhergh-(2) (= high).

boutique < french boutique < old provençal botica < latin apotheca (= storehouse) < ancient greek αποθήκη | apothēkē (= storehouse) < αποτίθημι | apotithēmi (= to set down, deposit) < από | apo (= from) + τίθημι | tithēmi (= to set, pose).

bow < old english boga (= archery bow, arch, rainbow) < proto-germanic *bugon < I.E. *bheug- (= to bend).

bowl (= round vessel) < old english bolla (= pot, cup, bowl) < proto-germanic *bul- (= round vessel).

bowl (= sphere, ball) < old french boule (= ball) < latin bulla (= round swelling, knob).

box1 (= rectangular container) < old english box (= rectangular wooden container) < late latin buxis < ancient greek πυξίς | pyxis (= boxwood) < πύξος | pyxos (= box tree).

box2 (= to strike with the fist or hand) < middle english box (= a blow, punch).

boy < middle english boie (= young servant, commoner / rascal, urchin) < (?) old french embuie (= one fettered) < vulgar latin *imboio [inf. imboiare] (= hold in bondage) < latin in (= in) + boia (= yoke, leather collar) < ancient greek βόειαι [δοραί] | booeae [dorae] (= [hides] from ox) < βους | bous (= ox)).

boycott < irish [Charles] Boycott (1832-1897), land agent of Lough-Mask in County Mayo [who refused to lower rents for his tenant farmers and so they started to refuse to work for him].

bra < a shortening of brassiere < french brassiere (= child’s chemise / shirt, shoulder strap) < old french braciere (= arm guard) < bras (= arm) < latin bracchium (= arm, forearm) < ancient greek βραχίων | brakhiōn (= arm) < βραχύς | brakhys (= short).

bracelet < old french bracelet, a diminutive of bracel < latin bracchiale (= armlet) < bracchialis (= of the arm) < bracchium (= arm, forearm) < ancient greek βραχίων | brakhiōn (= arm) < βραχύς | brakhys (= short).

bracket < bragget (= architectural support from a vertical surface) < (?) middle french braguette (= codpiece armor), a diminutive of brague (= knee pants) < gaulish *braca (= pants) < (?) germanic origin.

Bradley < old english brad (= broad) + leah (= open field) (< læch < proto-germanic *lauhaz).

brain < old english brægen (= brain) < proto-germanic *bragnan < (?) I.E. *mregh-m(n)o- (= skull, brain).

brake < middle dutch braeke (= flax brake) < breken (= to break) < proto-germanic *brekanan.

branch < middle english braunch < old french branche (= branch, bough) < late latin branca (= footprint, claw, paw) < (?) gaulish origin.

brand < old english brand / brond (= fire, flame, firebrand, torch) < proto-germanic *brandaz (= a burning).

brandy < brandy-wine < dutch brandewijn < brand-wijn (= burnt wine) [so called because it is a distilled wine].

brassiere < french brassiere (= child’s chemise / shirt, shoulder strap) < old french braciere (= arm guard) < bras (= arm) < latin bracchium (= arm, forearm) < ancient greek βραχίων | brakhiōn (= arm) < βραχύς | brakhys (= short).

brave < middle french brave (= splendid, valiant) < italian bravo (= wild, brave, bold) < (?) 1. medieval latin bravus (= cutthroat, villain) < latin pravus (= crooked, depraved) or 2. provençal brau (= wild) < latin barbarous (= foreign, barbarous) < ancient greek βάρβαρος | barbaros (= not greek speaking, foreign, barbarous).

bravo! < italian bravo (= brave) [see brave].

Brazil < 1. portuguese Brazil < brasa, a type of red wood used in making dye < middle german bras (= metal, tin) or 2.middle english brasile (= brasil red-dye wood) < medieval latin brasilium / old french bresil < (?) germanic origin.

bread < old english bread (= bit, crumb, morsel, bread) < 1. proto-germanic *brautham < I.E. *bhreu- (= to boil, burn) or 2. proto-germanic *braudsmon- (= fragments, bits).

break < old english brecan < proto-germanic *brekanan < I.E. *bhreg- (= to break).

breast < old english breost (= bosom, chest) < proto-germanic *brust- / *breust- (= breast).

breath < old english bræð (= odor, scent, stink, vapor) < proto-germanic *bræthaz (= smell, exhalation) < (?) I.E. *gwhre- (= to breathe, smell).

breeze < 1. old spanish briza (= cold northeast wind) or 2. east frisian brisen (= to blow fresh and strong).

Brenda < scottish Brenda < old norse brandr (= sword, torch).

brew < old english breowan < proto-germanic *breuwan (= to brew) < I.E. *bhreu- (= to boil, burn).

brick < old french briche (= brick) < (?) germanic origin.

bride < old english bryd < proto-germanic *bruthiz (= woman being married).

bridge1 (= passage over water) < old english brycge < proto-germanic *brugjo < I.E. *bhru (= log, beam).

bridge2 (card game) < biritch [by influence of bridge] < (?) turkish *bir-üç (= one-three) [because in this game one hand is exposed and three are concealed].

Bridget < irish Brighid, a goddess (of fire, spring, fertility, healing, smithcraft and poetry) < brigh (= strength) < celtic *brig-o- (= strength).

brief < middle english bref (= a writing issued by authority) < latin brevis (= short, little).

bright < old english bryht < beorht (= bright, beautiful) < proto-germanic *berhtaz (= bright) < I.E. *bhereg- (= to shine, bright, white).

brilliant < french brilliant, present participle of briller (= to shine) < italian brillare (= sparkle, whirl) < (?) vulgar latin *berillo [inf. berillare] (= shine like a beryl) < berillus < latin beryllus (= beryl) < ancient greek βήρυλλος | bēryllos < βηρύλλιον | bēryllion < prakrit verulija- < sanskrit velurija, vaidurya- < Velur, a city of India.

bring < old english bringan (= to bear, convey, bring forth) < proto-germanic *brangjanan.

brio < italian brio (= mettle, fire, life) < (?) 1. latin ebrius (= drunk) or 2. provençal briu (= vigor) < celtic *brig-o- (= strength) or 3. spanish brio < celtic origin.

Britain < middle english Breteyne, the island of England, Wales and Scotland < old french Bretaigne < latin Britannia < Brittania < Brittani (= the Britons) < celtic *Brittos, Celtic natives of Britain [before the Anglo-Saxon invasion].

British < old english Bryttisc (= relating to Britons) < Bryttas (= the Britons) < celtic *Brittos, Celtic natives of Britain [before the Anglo-Saxon invasion].

Brittany < middle english Britaine / Brutaine, a region in the north France, where the Romano-Celtic refugees settled there [Little Britain / Less Britain], after the Anglo-Saxon invasion of [Great] Britain) < old french Bretaigne < latin Britannia < Brittania < Brittani (= the Britons) < celtic *Brittos, celtic natives of Britain [before the Anglo-Saxon invasion].

broad < old english brad (= wide, open, extended) < proto-germanic *braidi-.

Bronx < [Jonas] Bronck, a Scandinavian immigrant [who settled there in 1641].

bronze < french bronze < italian bronzo < medieval latin bronzium / brundium [by influence of latin Brundisium (= the town of Brindisi)] < (?) persian birinj / pirinj (= copper).

Brooklyn < dutch Breukelen, a township near Utrecht < old high german bruoh (= moor, marshland).

brother < old english broþor < proto-germanic *brothar [cf. dutch broeder, danish broder, german Bruder] < I.E. *bhrater- [cf. latin frater, ancient greek φρατήρ | phratēr, sanskrit bhrátár-].

brow < middle english broue < old english bru < proto-germanic *brus- < I.E. *bhru- (= eyebrow).

brown < old english brun (= dark, dusky) < proto-germanic *brunaz < I.E. *bher-(2) (= bright, brown).

browse < brousen (= feed on buds ) < old french broster (= to sprout) < brost (= young shoot) < (?) proto-germanic *brust- (= bud, shoot).

brunette < french brunette < old french brunet (= brownish, brown-haired), a diminutive of brun (= brown) < proto-germanic *brunaz < I.E. *bher-(2) (= bright, brown).

brush < old french broisse / broce (= brush) < (?) vulgar latin *bruscia (= a match of shoots) < (?) proto-germanic *bruskaz (= underbrush).

Brussels < french Bruxelles < old german Broca-cella / Bruoc-cella < brocca (= marsh) + sali / sella (= room, building) (< latin cella (= room, house)) [because it was founded as a fortress on an island of the river Senne].

brute < french brut (= raw, crude) < latin brutus (= heavy, insensible).

bubble < middle english bubble < (?) middle dutch bobbel < middle low german bubbeln < (?) echoic origin.

bucket < anglo-french buquet < old french buquet (= bucket) < (?) a diminutive of old english buc (= belly, pitcher, bulging vessel) < west germanic *buh-.

Budapest < hungarian Budapest < Buda (= (?) water [cf. old church slavonic voda (= water)]) + Pest (< slavic pest (= furnace, oven, cove)), the two cities on opposite shores of the Danube river.

Buddha < sanskrit Buddha (= awakened, enlightened) < budda, past participle of budh (= awake, perceive) < I.E. *bheudh- (= be aware, make aware).

buddy < american english buddy < (?) 1. brother (< old english broþor < proto-germanic *brothar) or 2. [british] butty (= companion).

budget < bouget (= leather pouch, small sack) < middle french bougette, a diminutive of old french bouge (= leather bag, wallet) < latin bulga (= leather bag) < gaulish origin.

buffalo < buffel < middle french buffel < portuguese bufalo (= water buffalo) < medieval latin bufalus < latin bubalus (= big antelope, wild ox) < ancient greek βούβαλος | boubalos (= buffalo) < (?) βους | bous (= ox) < I.E. *gwo-u- (= ox, cow).

bug < (?) middle english bugge (= something frightening, scarecrow).

build < middle english bilden < old english byldan (= construct a house) < bold (= house) < proto-germanic *buthla- < I.E. *bhu- (= dwell) < *bheue- (= be, exist, grow).

Bulgaria < medieval latin Bulgaria < 1. burgarii [plural] (= guards of castle) < latin burgus (= small tower) or 2. Bulgari [plural] (= the men from the river Volga) or 3. old german bulgha (= mixing) or 4. latin bulga (= leather sack).

bull < middle english bule < [old norse boli (= bull) / (?) old english *bula] < proto-germanic *bullon-.

bulldoze (= intimidate by violence) < bulldose (= a dose fit for a bull, a severe beating or lashing) [a slang word referring to the intimidation beating of black voters in the 1876 U.S. presidential election] < bull + dose.

bullet < bullet (= cannonball) < middle french boulette (= cannonball, small ball), a diminutive of boule (= ball) < latin bulla (= round swelling, knob).

bullying < bully (= overbear with bluster or menaces) [an opposite sense, by influence of bull (= ox), from older bully (= sweetheart) ! ] (< (?) dutch boel (= lover, brother), (?) a diminutive of middle dutch broeder (= brother)).

bungalow < anglo-indian bungalow < gujarati bangalo < hindi bangla (= Bengalese, house in the Bengal style, low house) < Bangla / Bangali (= Bengal) < Bangla, a founding chief.

bureau < french bureau (= cloth covering for a desk, desk, office) < old french burel (= coarse woolen cloth), a diminutive of bure (= dark brown cloth) < (?) 1. latin burrus (= red) or 2. late latin burra (= wool).

burglar < anglo-latin burglator < burgator < medieval latin burgator (= burglar) < burgare (= to break open, commit burglary) < latin burgus (= fortress, castle) < germanic origin [cf. german Burg (= fort)].

burlesque < french burlesque < italian burlesco (= ludicrous) < burla (= joke, mockery) < (?) late latin burra (= flock of wool, trifle, nonsense).

burn < middle english brennen (= be on fire) < [1. old norse brenna (= to burn, light) or 2. old english bærnan (= to kindle) (transitive) or 3. old english beornan (= be on fire)] < proto-germanic *brennanan.

bury < old english byrgan (= hide, enclose in a grave or tomb), akin to beorgan (= to shelter) < proto-germanic *burzjan- (= protection, shelter).

bus < an abbreviation of omnibus < french [voiture] omnibus (= [carriage] for all) < latin omnibus, dative plural of omnis (= all, every).

bush < old english bysc < west germanic *busk (= bush, thicket).

business < old english bisignes (= care, anxiety, occupation) < bisig (= careful, anxious, continually occupied) + -ness (= action, state) (< old english -nes(s) < proto-germanic *in-assu-).

busy < old english bisig (= careful, anxious, continually occupied).

but < old english butan / buton (= unless, without, outside) < west germanic *be-utan < *be- (= by, about) + *utana (= out, outside) (< ut (= out)).

butcher < middle english butcher < anglo-french boucher < old french bochier (= butcher, executioner) < bouc (= male goat) < 1. frankish *bukk or 2. celtic *bukkos (= he-goat).

butler < middle english butler < anglo-french buteillier / old french boteillier (= cup-bearer, officer in charge of wine) < boteille (= wine vessel, bottle) < vulgar latin *butticula, a diminutive of late latin buttis (= a cask) < (?) ancient greek origin.

butter < old english butere < latin butyrum (= butter) < ancient greek βούτυρον | boutyron < βους | bous (= ox, cow) + τυρός | tyros (= cheese).

butterfly < old english buttorfleoge < butter + fly.

button < middle english button (= knob or ball attached to another body) < old french boton (= bud, button) < bo(u)ter (= thrust, strike, push) < proto-germanic *buttan.

buy < old english bycgan (= get by paying for) < proto-germanic *bugjan.

by < old english be- / bi (= near, in, by, about, during) < proto-germanic *bi (= around, about) < I.E. *bhi < *ambhi- (= around).

bye < a shortening of good-bye < godbwye < [by influence of good-day] < middle english God be with ye.

bypass < by-pass (= 1. road for the relief of congestion, 2. pipe passing around a valve (in a gasworks or in a heart operation) < by + pass.

byte < american english byte (= unit of digital information in a computer consisting of 8 bits) [1956] < bit (< binary digit [1948] < binary + digit).

Byzantine < late latin Byzantinus < Byzantium, original name of Constantinople < ancient greek Βυζάντιον | Byzantion, a settlement there < Βύζας | Byzas [gen. Βύζαντος | Byzantos], the founder of the city [who came from Megara, a town near Athens]. 

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