Hamper: Etymology of the day

A laundry hamper, first attested in 1392, is shortened from hanaper, a case for a hanap, an old term for a precious goblet or drinking vessel. Its deeper roots are French and Frankish. The verb hamper, “to impede,” is apparently unrelated.

hanap  3.jpg
It’s a long way from dirty socks. (Steve Hannaford)

m ∫ r ∫

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