title: List of English words of French origin (A–C)
text: # List of English words of French origin (A–C)
  
  A great number of words of French origin have entered the English language to the extent that many Latin words have come to the English language.
  
  * Top
  * A
  * B
  * C
  * D–I
  * J–R
  * S–Z
  * See also
  * References
  
  ## A
  
  * abaisse
  * abandon
  * abandonment
  * abase (Old Fr. abaissier)
  * abash (Old Fr. esbaïr)
  * abate (Old Fr. abatre, compare modern Fr. abattre)
  * abatement (Old Fr. abatement, compare modern Fr. abattement)
  * abatis
  * abattoir
  * abbatial
  * abbe
  * abbess
  * abbey (Anglo Fr. abbeie, from Old Fr. abaïe, compare modern Fr. abbaye)
  * abbreviation, (Fr. abréviation)
  * abdication
  * abet (Old Fr. abeter)
  * abeyance (Anglo Fr. abeiance, from Old Fr. abeance)
  * abhor (Fr. abhorrer)
  * ability (Old Fr. ableté, compare modern Fr. habileté with restoration of initial h of Latin habilitas)
  * abject
  * abjection
  * abjuration
  * abjure (Fr. abjurer)
  * ablation (Fr. ablation)
  * ablative
  * able, from Old French, compare modern Fr. habile or capable
  * ablution
  * abnormal compare anormal
  * aboard (Middle Fr. à bord)
  * abolish, compare abolir
  * abolition
  * abominable
  * abomination
  * abound
  * abrasion
  * abrasive, Fr. abrasif, abrasive(fem.)
  * abridge, Fr. abréger
  * abrogation
  * abrupt
  * absence
  * absent
  * absinthe
  * absolute, from Middle French, compare modern Fr. absolu
  * absolution
  * absorb (Fr. absorber)
  * abstain (Old Fr. abstenir)
  * abstention
  * abstinence
  * abstinent
  * absurd
  * absurdity (Fr. absurdité)
  * abundance (Old Fr. abundance, modern Fr. abondance)
  * abundant
  * abuse (Fr. abuser)
  * abusive (Fr. abusif, abusive(fem.) )
  * abut (Old Fr. abouter)
  * abysmal (Old Fr. abisme)
  * academy, compare académie, from anc. Greek akademeia
  * Acadia (Fr. Acadie)
  * acceleration (Fr. accélération)
  * accent (Fr. accent)
  * accept (Fr. accepter)
  * acceptable
  * acceptance
  * access (Fr. accès)
  * accessible
  * accession
  * accident
  * acclamation
  * acclimate (Fr. acclimater)
  * accolade
  * accommodation
  * accompaniment (Fr. accompagnement)
  * accompany (Old Fr. acompaignier, modern Fr. accompagner)
  * accomplice (Old Fr. complice)
  * accomplish (Old Fr. acomplir, modern Fr. accomplir)
  * accord
  * accordance (Old Fr. accordance)
  * accost
  * accoucheur
  * account (Old Fr. acont)
  * accountant (Old Fr. acuntant)
  * accoutre or accouter
  * accoutrements
  * accredit
  * accreditation
  * accrue
  * accumulation
  * accusation
  * accusative (Old Fr. accusatif)
  * accuse
  * accustom (Old Fr. acostumer, modern Fr. accoutumer)
  * ace, (Old Fr. as)
  * acephalous, (Fr. acéphale)
  * acerbity, (Middle Fr. acerbité)
  * acetic, (Fr. acétique)
  * acetylene, (Fr. acétylène)
  * achieve, (Old Fr. achever)
  * achievement, (Fr. achèvement)
  * acid, (Fr. acide)
  * aconite, (Fr. aconit)
  * acoustic, (Fr. acoustique)
  * acquaint, (Old Fr. acointier)
  * acquaintance, (Old Fr. acointance)
  * acquiesce, (Middle Fr. acquiescer)
  * acquiescence, (Middle Fr. acquiescence)
  * acquire, (Old Fr. aquerre)
  * acquisition
  * acquit (Old Fr. acquitter)
  * acrimonious (Fr. acrimonieux)
  * acrimony (Fr. acrimonie)
  * acrobat (Fr. acrobate)
  * acrobatic (Fr. acrobatique)
  * acromegaly (Fr. acromégalie)
  * across (Anglo Fr. an cros)
  * act (Old Fr. acte)
  * action
  * activity, (Middle French activité)
  * actual, (Old French actuel)
  * acuity, (Middle French acuité)
  * adage
  * adapt, (Middle French adapter)
  * adaptation
  * addition
  * address
  * adhere
  * adherence
  * adhesion
  * adhesive, compare adhésif or feminine form adhésive
  * adieu, which literally means "to God" (à Dieu), farewell
  * adjective, compare adjectif
  * adjoin
  * adjourn (Old French ajourner)
  * adjudge (Old French ajugier, compare modern French adjuger)
  * adjust (Old French ajoster, compare modern French ajuster)
  * administer (Old French aministrer, compare modern French administrer)
  * administration
  * admirable
  * admiral (Old French amiral)
  * admiration
  * admire
  * admissible
  * admission
  * admonish (Old French amonester, compare modern French admonester)
  * admonition
  * adolescence
  * adolescent
  * adopt
  * adoption
  * adorable
  * adoration
  * adore
  * adorn (Old French aourner)
  * adornment (Old French aournement)
  * adroit
  * adulation
  * adultery (Old French avoutrie or aoulterie, compare modern Fr. adultère)
  * advance (Old French avancer)
  * advancement (Old French avancement)
  * advantage (Old French avantage)
  * advantageous
  * adventure, (Old French auenture, compare modern Fr. aventure)
  * adventurous, (Old French aventuros, compare modern Fr. aventureux)
  * adversary, (Anglo French adverser, from Old Fr. adversier, compare modern Fr. adversaire)
  * adverse (Old French avers, compare modern Fr. adverse)
  * adversity (Anglo French aduersite, from Old Fr. aversite, compare modern Fr. adversité)
  * advertisement, (French avertissement [warning])
  * advice, (Old French avis [opinion])
  * advise, (Old French aviser [give one's opinion])
  * advocacy, (Old French advocacie)
  * advocate (Old French avocat [attorney or lawyer])
  * aerobic (French aérobie)
  * aerodynamics (French aérodynamique)
  * aeronautics (French aéronautique)
  * aeroplane (French aéroplane)
  * affability (French affabilité)
  * affable
  * affair, (Anglo-Norman afere, from Old Fr. afaire or à faire, compare modern Fr. affaire)
  * affection
  * affiance (Old French afiancer)
  * affiliation
  * affinity, (Old French afinité, compare modern Fr. affinité)
  * affirm, (Old French afermer, compare modern Fr. affirmer)
  * affirmation
  * affirmative
  * affix (Middle French affixer, from Old Fr. afichier, compare modern Fr. afficher)
  * afflict
  * affliction
  * affluence
  * affluent
  * affront
  * afraid p.p. of afray (Anglo French afrayer, from Old Fr. esfreer, compare modern Fr. effrayer)
  * agate
  * age
  * agent provocateur
  * aggrandisement Fr. agrandissement
  * aggravation
  * aggression, compare agression
  * aggrieve, (Old Fr. agrever, compare modern Fr. aggraver)
  * agile
  * agility
  * à gogo, or a-go-go, in abundance
  * agrarian
  * agree (Old Fr. agreer, compare modern Fr. agréer ["to accept" or "to please"])
  * agreeable, compare modern Fr. agréable
  * agreeance (Old Fr. agreance)
  * agreement (Old Fr. agreement, compare modern Fr. agrément [authorization or amenity])
  * agronomy
  * ague
  * aid (Old Fr. aide)
  * aide-de-camp
  * aide-mémoire
  * aileron
  * aim (Old Fr. esmar)
  * air
  * aisle
  * à la, in the style of...
  * alabaster, from Old French alabastre (>Latin> Greek> Ancient Egyptian a-labaste)
  * à la carte
  * à la mode
  * alamode
  * alarm
  * alas, from Old French phrase "ha, las!", compare modern Fr. hélas
  * alchemist
  * alchemy
  * alcove
  * alembic Middle Fr. alambic, from Arabic al anbiq
  * alert
  * algorithm
  * alien (Old Fr. alien)
  * alienation (Middle Fr. alienation)
  * align, (Middle Fr. aligner)
  * alignment, (French alignement)
  * allegation
  * allege
  * allegiance (Anglo French legaunce, from Old Fr. legeance, compare modern Fr. allégeance)
  * allegorical
  * allegory
  * allemande
  * alley compare allée
  * alliance
  * allocation
  * allot (Old Fr. aloter)
  * allotment Fr. alotement
  * allow (Old Fr. alouer)
  * allowable (Old Fr. alouable)
  * allowance (Old Fr. alouance)
  * alloy (Anglo Fr. alai, from Old Fr. aleier)
  * allude
  * allure
  * ally (Old Fr. alier)
  * almond, (Old Fr. almande, compare modern Fr. amande)
  * almoner (Old Fr. almosnier, compare modern Fr. aumônier)
  * alter
  * alteration
  * altruism
  * altruistic
  * alum
  * amass
  * amateur
  * ambassador
  * amber
  * ambergris
  * ambiance
  * ambience
  * ambiguity
  * ambiguous
  * ambition
  * amble (Old Fr. ambler)
  * ambulance
  * ambuscade
  * ambush (Old Fr. embuscher)
  * amelioration
  * amenable
  * amend
  * amendment
  * amends
  * amenity
  * amerce
  * amethyst
  * ami
  * amiable
  * amity
  * ammonite
  * ammunition, from munition
  * amnesty, compare amnistie
  * amorous, from Old French, compare modern Fr. amoureux
  * amortise
  * amount
  * amour
  * amour-propre
  * ampere
  * ample
  * amplify
  * amplitude
  * ampoule
  * ampul
  * amulet (Middle Fr. amulette)
  * amuse
  * amusement
  * anagram
  * analogue
  * analyse
  * analyst
  * anatomy
  * ancestor (Old Fr. ancestre, compare modern Fr. ancêtre)
  * ancestral
  * ancestry
  * ancien regime
  * ancient
  * andiron (Old Fr. andier)
  * andouille
  * anecdote
  * angel (Old Fr. angel)
  * angelic
  * angle
  * anguish (from Old French anguisse, now angoisse)
  * anime Fr. animé
  * animosity
  * anise (Old Fr. anis)
  * anisette
  * annals (Old Fr. annales)
  * annelid
  * annex, (Old Fr. annexer)
  * annihilation
  * announce
  * announcement
  * annoy, from Old French anoier, modern Fr. ennuyer
  * annoyance
  * annual (Old Fr. annuel)
  * annuity (Old Fr. annuité)
  * annul (Old Fr. annuler)
  * annunciation (Fr. annonciation)
  * anoint (Old Fr. enoint, p.p. of enoindre, compare modern Fr. oindre)
  * anomy
  * anonym (Fr. anonyme)
  * antecedent, compare antécédent
  * antechamber, compare antichambre
  * antelope, (Old Fr. antelop, compare modern Fr. antilope)
  * anther, compare anthère
  * antibiotic, Fr. antibiotique
  * antigen, Fr. antigène
  * antique
  * antiquity (Old Fr. antiquitet, compare modern Fr. antiquité)
  * antler (Anglo-Fr. auntiler, from Old Fr. antoillier, modern Fr. andouiller)
  * anus (Old Fr. anus)
  * apart (Old Fr. à part)
  * apartment, Fr. appartement
  * apathy
  * apercu, Fr. aperçu
  * aperitif, Fr. apéritif
  * aphorism
  * aplomb
  * apologetic
  * apologist
  * apologue
  * apoplectic
  * aporetic
  * apostille
  * apostle (Old Fr. apostle, compare modern Fr. apôtre)
  * apostrophe
  * apothecary (Old Fr. apotecaire, compare modern Fr. apothicaire)
  * appall (Old Fr. apalir, compare modern Fr. pâlir)
  * appanage (Old Fr. apanage)
  * apparel, (Old Fr. apareillier, compare modern Fr. appareil)
  * apparent
  * apparition
  * appeal
  * appear
  * appearance
  * appease
  * appeasement
  * appellant
  * appellation
  * appellee
  * apperception
  * appertain
  * appetence
  * appetite
  * application
  * applique
  * apply (Old Fr. aplier, compare modern Fr. appliquer [to implement])
  * appoint
  * appointee
  * appointment
  * apportion
  * appose
  * appraise
  * appreciable
  * appreciation
  * apprehend
  * apprise
  * approach
  * approbation
  * appropre
  * approvance
  * approve
  * appurtenance
  * appurtenant
  * apricot (Fr. abricot, from Port. albricoque, from Arabic al-birquq)
  * apron (Old Fr. naperon)
  * après-ski
  * apropos (Fr. à propos)
  * aquarelle
  * aquatic
  * aqueous
  * arabesque
  * arable
  * arachnid
  * arbalest
  * arbitrage
  * arbitration
  * arbitrator
  * arbiter
  * arbor
  * arbour
  * arc
  * arcade
  * arch
  * archaic
  * archduke
  * archeology
  * archer
  * archery
  * archetype
  * architect
  * architecture
  * archives
  * arctic
  * ardent
  * ardour
  * are
  * arête
  * argent (Fr. argent)
  * argot
  * argue, (Old French arguer)
  * argument
  * argumentation
  * aridity
  * aristocracy
  * aristocrat
  * aristocratic
  * arithmetic
  * arm [weapon] (Old French arme)
  * armagnac
  * armament
  * armature
  * armistice
  * armoire
  * armorer
  * armour
  * army
  * aromatherapy
  * aromatic
  * arraign
  * arraignment
  * arrange
  * arrangement
  * arras
  * array
  * arrearage
  * arrears
  * arrest, from Old Fr. arester
  * arrive
  * arriviste
  * arrogance
  * arrogant
  * arrondissement
  * arsenal
  * arsenic
  * arson
  * art
  * art brut
  * art deco
  * art nouveau
  * arterial
  * artery
  * artesian
  * article
  * articulation
  * artifice
  * artificial
  * artillery
  * artisan
  * artist
  * artiste
  * artistic
  * asbestos (Old Fr. abeste)
  * ascendant
  * ascertain
  * ascribe (Old Fr. ascrivre)
  * ashlar (Old Fr. aiseler)
  * asine
  * askance (Old Fr. à escone)
  * asp (Middle Fr. aspe, modern Fr. vipère aspic)
  * asperity
  * aspic
  * aspirant
  * aspire
  * assail
  * assailant
  * assassin (Fr. assassin, from Arabic hashishiyyin [hashish users])
  * assault
  * assay
  * assemblage
  * assemble
  * assembly
  * assent
  * assertion
  * assess (Anglo Fr. assesser)
  * assessor (Old Fr. assessour, compare modern Fr. assesseur)
  * assets (Anglo Fr. asetz, from Old Fr. assez [enough])
  * assign
  * assignation
  * assignee
  * assignment
  * assist
  * assistance
  * assistant
  * assize
  * assonance
  * assort
  * assuage
  * assume
  * assurance
  * assure
  * astonish
  * astray
  * astrolabe
  * astronomy
  * atavism
  * atelier
  * atheism
  * atheist
  * attach
  * attaché
  * attachment
  * attack
  * attain
  * attainder
  * attainment
  * attempt
  * attend
  * attendance
  * attendant
  * attentive
  * attest
  * attestation
  * attire
  * attitude
  * attorn
  * attorney (Old Fr. atorné [appointed] p.p. of aturner)
  * attraction
  * attractive
  * attribution
  * aubade
  * aubain
  * aubergine
  * auburn
  * au courant
  * audible
  * audience
  * audition
  * auditor
  * au fait
  * augment
  * augmentation
  * augmentative
  * au naturel
  * au pair
  * aunt (Anglo Fr. aunte, from Old Fr. ante, compare modern Fr. tante)
  * aureole
  * auspices
  * austerity
  * auteur
  * authentic
  * author (Old Fr. auctor, compare modern Fr. auteur)
  * authorise
  * authority
  * autoclave
  * autocracy
  * autocrat
  * autocratic
  * automobile
  * autumn
  * avail
  * avalanche
  * avant
  * avant-garde
  * avarice
  * avaricious
  * avaunt
  * avenge
  * avenue
  * aver
  * average
  * averment
  * avert
  * aviation (Fr. aviation)
  * aviator
  * avid (Fr. avide)
  * avidity
  * avocet
  * avoid (Old Fr. evuider)
  * avoirdupois
  * avouch
  * avow (Old Fr. aveu)
  * await (Anglo Fr. awaitier, from Old Fr. agaitier)
  * award (Anglo Fr. awarder, from Old Fr. esguarder)
  * axiom (Fr. axiome)
  * aye-aye
  * azimuth (Old Fr. azimut, from Arabic as-sumut)
  * azure (Old Fr. azur, from Arabic (al)-lazaward, from Persian lajward)
  
  ## Contents
  
  * Top
  * A
  * B
  * C
  * See also
  * References
  * External links
  
  ## B
  
  * baba au rhum
  * baboon (Fr. babouin)
  * babouche (Fr. babouche, from Arabic babush, from Persian papush)
  * baccarat
  * bachelor (Old Fr. bacheler)
  * bacon (Old Fr. bacon)
  * bacteriophage (Fr. bactériophage)
  * badinage
  * bagatelle
  * baggage, (Old Fr. bagage)
  * baguette (Fr. baguette, from Italian bacchetta)
  * bail (Old Fr. baillier)
  * bailey
  * bailiff
  * baize
  * balance
  * baldric (Old Fr. baldre, compare modern Fr. baudrier)
  * bale (Old Fr. bale, from Germanic)
  * baleen
  * ball [dancing party] (Old Fr. baller)
  * ballad (Fr. ballade, from Old Provençal ballada)
  * ballet (Fr. ballet, from Italian balletto)
  * ballon
  * balloon (Fr. ballon)
  * balm (Old Fr. basme, compare modern Fr. baume)
  * baluster (Fr. balustre, from Italian balaustro)
  * balustrade (Fr. balustrade, from Italian balaustrata)
  * banal
  * banality
  * band, (Middle Fr. bande)
  * bandage
  * bandeau
  * bandolier
  * bandy
  * banish (Old Fr. banir, from Frankish *bannjan)
  * bank (Old Fr. banque, from Old Italian banca, from Germanic)
  * banner
  * banquet
  * banquette
  * baptise (Old Fr. batisier)
  * baptism (Old Fr. batesme or bapteme, compare modern Fr. baptême)
  * bar (Old Fr. barre)
  * barb (Old Fr. barbe)
  * bargain (Old Fr. bargaignier)
  * barge
  * bark [small ship] (Middle Fr. barque)
  * baron (Old Fr. baron, from Frankish baro)
  * baroness
  * baroque
  * barque
  * barracks
  * barrage
  * barratry
  * barre
  * barrel (Old Fr. baril)
  * barren, (Old Fr. baraigne)
  * barret
  * barrette
  * barricade
  * barrier
  * barter (Old Fr. barater)
  * base
  * basil
  * basin
  * basket
  * bas-relief
  * basset (hound)
  * bassinet
  * bassoon
  * bastard
  * baste [sew] (Old Fr. bastir)
  * bastion
  * bate (Old Fr. batre, compare modern Fr. battre)
  * bathyscaphe
  * baton
  * battalion (Middle Fr. bataillon, from Italian battaglione)
  * batten (Fr. baton)
  * batter
  * battery
  * battle (Old Fr. bataille)
  * battlement
  * bauble
  * baud
  * bauxite
  * bay, compare baie
  * bayonet, compare baïonnette
  * beagle (Fr. bagle)
  * beak, (Old Fr. bec)
  * Béarnaise, a type of sauce, named after a region in France (Béarn)
  * beast (Old Fr. beste, compare modern Fr. bête)
  * beatification
  * beatitude
  * beau, a lover or a dandy
  * beau idéal
  * beau monde
  * beauty (Old Fr. beauté)
  * beaux arts, fine arts
  * bec de corbin
  * bechamel
  * beef (Old Fr. buef, compare modern Fr. boeuf)
  * beef bourguignon
  * beggar (Old Fr. begart)
  * begonia
  * beige
  * beignet
  * beldame
  * belfry
  * belle
  * belles-lettres
  * benefice (Fr. bénéfice)
  * beneficial
  * benefit (Anglo-Fr. benfet, compare modern Fr. bienfait)
  * benevolent
  * benign
  * benignity
  * benison
  * benzoin
  * berate
  * berceuse
  * beret, compare béret
  * bergamot
  * berline
  * berm (Fr. berme, from Old Dutch baerm)
  * beryl (Old Fr. beryl, from anc. Greek berullos, from Sanskrit vaidurya)
  * bestial
  * bête noire
  * betray
  * bevel
  * beverage (Anglo-Fr. beverage, from Old Fr. boivre [to drink], compare modern Fr. Wikt:breuvage)
  * bevy
  * bezant
  * bezel
  * bezique
  * bias
  * bibelot
  * bibliophile
  * bice (short form of Fr. bleu bis [brownish-grey blue])
  * bicycle, compare bicyclette > vélo
  * bidet
  * bigamy
  * bigot
  * bigotry
  * bijou
  * bikini
  * bile
  * bilge
  * biliary
  * bilious
  * billet
  * billet-doux, a love letter
  * billiards Fr. billiard, dim. of Old Fr. bille [stick of wood], from Gaulish *bilia [tree]
  * billion
  * binocular
  * biopsy
  * biscuit
  * bison
  * bisque
  * bistro
  * bittern
  * bituminous
  * bivouac
  * bizarre
  * blame
  * blanch
  * blancmange
  * blandish
  * blank (Old Fr. blanc)
  * blanket, from Old French blanchet (originally "a white cloth")
  * blasé
  * blaspheme
  * blasphemy
  * blazon
  * blemish
  * bleu cheese
  * blister
  * bloc
  * block
  * blond
  * blonde
  * blouse
  * bludgeon
  * blue Old Fr. blo, from Frankish *blao
  * bobbin
  * boil (Old Fr. boilir)
  * Boise
  * boisterous
  * bomb
  * bombard (Fr. "bombarde")
  * bombardier
  * bombast
  * bombazine
  * bombe
  * bon appétit
  * bonbon
  * bonhomie
  * bon mot
  * bonnet, from Old French, compare modern Fr. bonnet
  * bonny
  * bon ton
  * bon viveur the French use bon vivant instead
  * bon voyage
  * boot
  * booty
  * borage
  * borax
  * Bordeaux wine
  * bordello
  * border
  * botanic
  * botany
  * bottle
  * bouche
  * boudoir
  * bouffant
  * bougainvillea
  * bougie
  * bouillabaisse
  * bouillon
  * boule
  * boulevard
  * boulevardier
  * bound (v.) Old Fr. bondir
  * bound (n.) Old Fr. bonde
  * boundary
  * bounty
  * bouquet
  * bourbon whiskey
  * bourdon
  * bourgeois
  * bourgeoisie
  * bourn
  * bourse
  * boutique
  * boutonniere
  * bowel
  * bowls
  * brace
  * bracelet
  * brach
  * bracket
  * braggart
  * brail
  * Braille
  * braise
  * bran, from Old French bran or bren
  * branch
  * brandish, compare brandir
  * brasserie
  * brassiere, compare brassière, although the modern French for this is Wikt:soutien-gorge
  * brave
  * bravery
  * brawn
  * bray
  * braze
  * brazier
  * bream
  * brevet
  * bribe
  * bric-a-brac
  * brick
  * bricolage
  * Brie cheese
  * brigade
  * brigadier
  * brigand
  * brigantine
  * brilliant, compare brillant
  * brioche
  * briquette
  * Britain Old Fr. Bretaigne, from Latin Britannia
  * Briton Anglo-Fr. Bretun, from Latin Brittonem
  * Brittany Old Fr. Bretaigne, from Latin Britannia
  * broach
  * brochure, Fr. brochure, from brocher - to stitch
  * broderie anglaise, a type of embroidery
  * broil
  * broker
  * bromine
  * bronze
  * brooch
  * brose
  * brouhaha
  * browse
  * Bruce (Norman name)
  * bruise Old Fr. bruisier
  * bruit
  * brulee
  * brume
  * brunet
  * brunette
  * brush
  * brusque
  * brut
  * brute
  * buccaneer Fr. boucanier
  * bucket
  * buckle, compare boucle
  * buckler
  * buckram
  * budge
  * budget, from Old Fr. bougette (a little purse)
  * buff
  * buffer
  * buffet
  * buffoon
  * bugle
  * bulb
  * bulge
  * bullet, from boulette, although the modern French for this is balle
  * bulletin
  * bullion
  * bun
  * burden compare bourdon
  * bureau
  * bureaucracy
  * bureaucrat
  * burette
  * burgeon
  * burgess
  * burglar
  * Burgundy wine, Old Fr. Burgondie, now Bourgogne
  * burin
  * burlesque
  * burnish
  * bushel
  * busk
  * busker
  * buskin
  * bustard
  * bustier
  * butcher
  * butchery
  * butler
  * butt
  * butte
  * buttery
  * button, Old Fr. boton, compare modern Fr. bouton
  * buttress
  * buzzard
  
  ## Contents
  
  * Top
  * A
  * B
  * C
  * See also
  * References
  * External links
  
  ## C
  
  * cabal, compare cabale
  * cabaret
  * cabbage, Middle Fr. caboche "head"
  * cabernet
  * cabin
  * cabinet
  * cable
  * cabochon
  * cabotage
  * cabriolet
  * cache, compare cacher
  * cache-sexe
  * cachet
  * cadastral
  * caddie Scottish, from Fr. cadet
  * cadence
  * cadet
  * Cadillac, named for Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac
  * cadre
  * café
  * café au lait
  * cafetière
  * cage
  * cagoule
  * cahier
  * cahoots
  * caisson
  * caitiff
  * cajole, compare cajoler
  * cajolery
  * Cajun
  * calaboose
  * calamine
  * calamitous
  * calamity
  * calcify
  * calendar Old Fr. calendier, compare modern Fr. calendrier
  * calender
  * calibre
  * caliph Fr. caliphe, from Arabic khalîfa
  * caliphate
  * calligraphy Fr. calligraphie, from Greek kálos "beautiful" + grapheîn "to write"
  * calm
  * calmative
  * calomel
  * caloric
  * calorie
  * calque
  * calumet
  * calumny
  * Calvinism
  * camaraderie
  * camber
  * camel
  * camembert
  * camisole Fr. camisole, from Provençal camisola
  * camomile
  * camouflage
  * camp
  * campaign, compare campagne
  * camphor
  * cancan
  * canaille
  * canal
  * canapé
  * canard
  * canary
  * cancel, Anglo-Fr. canceler, evolution of chanceler (1293) (to cross out)
  * candy
  * cane
  * cannon
  * cannonade
  * canon [clergyman], Anglo-Fr. canun, from Old N. Fr. canonie (compare Fr. chanoine)
  * canonise, Old Fr. cannonisier
  * canteen
  * cantle
  * canton
  * cantonment
  * canvas
  * capable
  * capacity
  * cap-a-pie
  * caparison
  * cape
  * capillarity
  * capitalism
  * capitalist
  * capitulation
  * capon Old N. Fr. capon, compare modern Fr. chapon
  * capote
  * caprice
  * capricious
  * capsid
  * capstan Old Fr. cabestant, from Old Provençal cabestan
  * capsule
  * captain Old Fr. capitaine
  * caption
  * captious
  * capture
  * Capuchin
  * car Old N. Fr. carre, from Latin carrus, from Gaulish karros
  * carabineer
  * carafe
  * caramel
  * carapace
  * carat
  * caravan
  * caravel
  * carbine
  * carbon
  * carbonate
  * carbuncle
  * carcass
  * card (Fr. carte)
  * cardiac
  * careen
  * career (Fr. carrière)
  * caress
  * caribou
  * caricature
  * carillon
  * carious
  * carmine
  * carnage
  * carnation
  * carnival
  * carnivore
  * carob, Fr. carobe, from Arabic kharrub
  * carol
  * carom
  * carouse
  * carousel
  * carp
  * carpel
  * carpenter
  * carpentry
  * carpet
  * carrack
  * carrefour
  * carriage
  * carrion
  * carrot
  * carry, Old N. Fr. carrier, (compare Fr. charrier)
  * carte blanche
  * carte de visite
  * cartel
  * carter
  * Cartesian
  * cartilage
  * cartography
  * carton
  * cartouche
  * cartridge
  * caryatid
  * cascade
  * case
  * casein
  * casement
  * cash, Middle Fr. caisse
  * cashew
  * cashier
  * cask
  * casque
  * casserole
  * cassette
  * cassis
  * cassock
  * castle, Old North Fr. castel, Old Fr. chastel, compare modern Fr. château
  * castor
  * casual (Old Fr. casuel)
  * casuist, compare casuiste
  * cataclysm
  * catafalque
  * catalogue
  * catapult
  * catch
  * catchpoll
  * catechumen
  * category
  * caterpillar
  * catheter
  * catholic
  * cattle
  * caudle
  * caul
  * cauldron
  * caulk
  * causative
  * cause
  * caustic
  * cauterize
  * caution
  * cavalcade
  * cavalier
  * cavalry, compare cavalerie
  * cave
  * cavern
  * caviar
  * cavil
  * cavity
  * cease Old Fr. cesser
  * cedar Old Fr. cedre
  * celadon
  * celebrant
  * celebration
  * celebrity
  * celerity
  * celery
  * celestial
  * celibate
  * cellar
  * cellulite
  * cellulose
  * Celtic
  * cement (Old Fr. ciment)
  * cemetery
  * cenacle
  * cenotaph
  * cense, compare encenser
  * censer (Old Fr. censier)
  * censure
  * centime (Fr. centime)
  * centimetre
  * centipede
  * centralization
  * centre (Old Fr. centre)
  * centrifuge
  * centrist
  * cephalopod
  * cere
  * cereal
  * cerebral
  * ceremonious
  * cerise
  * certain
  * certainty
  * certificate
  * certify
  * certitude
  * cession
  * Chablis
  * chafe
  * chagrin
  * chain
  * chair, Old Fr. chaiere "chair", compare modern Fr. chaire "pulpit, throne"
  * chaise, Fr. chaise, from Old Fr. chaiere
  * chaise longue or sometimes chaise lounge
  * chalet
  * chalice, Old Fr. chalice or calice, compare modern Fr. calice
  * challenge, Old Fr. chalonge (n.) and chalengier (v.)
  * challenger, Anglo-Fr. chalengeour
  * chamber
  * chamberlain, Old Fr. chamberlenc, compare modern Fr. chambellan
  * chambray
  * chameleon, Old Fr. chameleon, from Latin chamaeleon, from Greek khamaileon
  * chamfer
  * chamois
  * champagne
  * champaign
  * champertous
  * champignon
  * champion
  * chance
  * chancel
  * chancellor
  * chancery
  * chancre
  * chandelier
  * chandler
  * chandlery
  * change
  * changeable
  * channel
  * chanson
  * chant
  * chanteuse
  * chanterelle
  * chanticleer
  * chantilly cream
  * chapeau
  * chapel
  * chaperon
  * chaplain
  * chaplet
  * chapter
  * charabanc
  * character, Old Fr. caractère
  * charade
  * charcuterie
  * chard
  * Chardonnay
  * charette
  * charge
  * chargé d'affaires
  * chariot
  * charitable
  * charity
  * charlatan
  * Charles, Fr. Charles, from Medieval Latin Carolus, from Middle High Germanic Karl
  * charlotte
  * charm
  * charnel
  * chart
  * charter
  * chartreuse
  * chase, Old Fr. chacier, compare modern Fr. chasser
  * chaser
  * chassé
  * chasseur
  * chassis
  * chaste
  * chasten
  * chastise
  * chastity
  * chasuble
  * château
  * chateaubriand
  * chatelaine
  * chattel
  * chauffeur
  * chauvinism
  * cheat, Old Fr. escheat
  * check, Old Fr. eschec
  * checker, Old Fr. eschequier
  * checkmate, Old Fr. eschec mat, from Persian shah mat, compare modern Fr. échec et mat
  * cheer (Old Fr. chiere)
  * chef, Fr. chef
  * chemise
  * chemist, Fr. chimiste
  * chenille
  * cheque
  * cherish (Old Fr. chériss-)
  * cherry, Anglo-Fr. and Old N. Fr. cherise, compare Old Fr. and modern Fr. cerise
  * chess, Old Fr. esches
  * chestnut
  * cheval de frise
  * cheval glass
  * chevalier
  * chevauchée
  * chevron
  * Cheyenne, Fr. Cheyenne, from Dakota Sahi'yena
  * chez
  * chic
  * Chicago (from Fort Chécagou, from Algonquian)
  * chicane
  * chicanery
  * chichi
  * chickpea
  * chicory
  * chief, Old Fr. chief, compare modern Fr. chef
  * chieftain, Old Fr. chevetain, compare modern Fr. cheftaine (only the feminine form remains)
  * chiffon
  * chiffonade
  * chiffonier
  * chignon
  * chimera
  * chimney
  * chiromancy
  * chisel
  * chitin
  * chivalrous
  * chivalry
  * chive
  * chloroform
  * chlorophyll
  * chock
  * choice
  * choir
  * choler
  * choleric
  * cholesterol
  * choreography
  * chowder
  * Christianity
  * chrome
  * chromium
  * chronic
  * chronicle
  * chute
  * cider
  * cigarette
  * cinema, Fr. cinéma
  * cinematic
  * cinematography
  * cinnabar
  * cinnamon
  * cinquain
  * circle
  * circlet
  * circuit
  * circular
  * circulation
  * circulatory
  * circumcise
  * circumspection
  * circumstance
  * cirque
  * cistern
  * citadel
  * citation
  * cite
  * citizen
  * citron
  * citronella
  * city, Old Fr. cite, compare modern Fr. cité
  * civet
  * civil
  * civilian
  * civilisation
  * civilize
  * claim (Old Fr. clamer)
  * clairvoyance
  * clamor
  * clamorous
  * claque
  * claret
  * clarification
  * clarify
  * clarinet, compare clarinet
  * clarion
  * clarity
  * class
  * classic
  * classify
  * clause
  * clavicle
  * clavier
  * clear
  * clechy
  * clef
  * clement
  * clementine
  * clergy
  * cliché
  * client
  * clientele
  * climate
  * clinic
  * clinician
  * clique
  * cloak
  * cloche
  * clock
  * cloisonne
  * cloister
  * close
  * closet, from Old French closet
  * closure
  * cloture
  * clyster
  * coach
  * coagulation
  * coalition
  * coast
  * coat
  * coat of arms
  * cocaine
  * cochineal
  * cock
  * cockade
  * Cockaigne, Old Fr. Cocaigne, compare modern Fr. pays de Cocagne
  * cockatrice
  * cockle
  * cocoon
  * cocotte
  * coddle
  * code
  * codeine
  * codicil
  * coefficient
  * coercion
  * Coeur d'Alene
  * coffer
  * coffin
  * cogent
  * cogitation
  * cogitative
  * cognac
  * cognisance
  * cohabitation
  * coherence
  * coherent
  * cohesion
  * cohort
  * coif
  * coiffeur
  * coiffeuse
  * coiffure
  * coil
  * coin, Old Fr. coigne
  * coinage
  * coincide
  * coincidence
  * coincident
  * Cointreau
  * collaboration
  * collage
  * collagen
  * collar, Old Fr. coler
  * collateral
  * collation
  * colleague
  * collect
  * collection
  * collective
  * collector
  * college
  * collegial
  * collet
  * collision
  * colloid
  * collusion
  * cologne
  * colonel, Middle Fr. coronel, compare modern Fr. colonel
  * colonnade
  * colossal
  * colour or color
  * colouration or coloration
  * columbine
  * column
  * combat
  * combatant
  * combination
  * combine
  * combust
  * combustible
  * combustion
  * comedian and comedienne, compare comédien and comédienne
  * comedy
  * comestible
  * comet
  * comfit
  * comfiture
  * comfort
  * comfortable
  * comforter
  * comity
  * command
  * commandant
  * commander
  * commandment
  * comme il faut
  * commemoration
  * commence
  * commencement
  * commendable
  * commendation
  * commensal
  * comment
  * commentary
  * commerce
  * commercial
  * commiseration
  * commissariat
  * commission
  * commissioner
  * commode
  * commodity
  * common
  * commotion
  * communal
  * commune
  * communicable
  * communication
  * communicative
  * communion
  * communiqué
  * communism (Fr. communisme)
  * communist
  * community, Old Fr. comunalté, modern Fr. communauté
  * commutation
  * compact
  * compaction
  * companion
  * company, Old Fr. compagnie
  * comparable
  * comparative
  * compare
  * comparison
  * compartment
  * compass
  * compassion
  * compatible
  * compatriot
  * compeer
  * compel
  * compendious
  * compensable
  * compensation
  * compensatory
  * compere
  * compete
  * competence
  * competent
  * competitor
  * compilation
  * compile
  * compiler
  * complain
  * complainant
  * complaint
  * complaisance
  * complaisant
  * complement
  * complete
  * complex
  * complexion
  * complication
  * complicity
  * compliment, Fr. compliment
  * compline
  * comply
  * comport
  * comportment
  * compose
  * composite
  * composition
  * compost
  * compote
  * compound
  * comprehension
  * comprehensive
  * compress
  * compression
  * comprise
  * compromise
  * compulsion
  * compulsive
  * compunction
  * computation
  * compute
  * comrade, Fr. camarade
  * concave
  * concavity
  * conceal
  * concealment
  * concede
  * conceive
  * concentric
  * concept
  * conception
  * concern
  * concert
  * concession
  * concessionaire
  * concierge
  * conciliation
  * concision
  * conclusion
  * conclusive
  * concomitance
  * concord
  * concordance
  * concordant
  * concordat
  * concourse
  * concretion
  * concubinage
  * concubine
  * concurrence
  * concurrent
  * condemn
  * condense
  * condescend
  * condescendence
  * condign
  * condiment
  * condition
  * conditional
  * conduction
  * conductor
  * conduit
  * condyle
  * cone
  * coney
  * confection
  * confederacy
  * confederation
  * confer
  * conference
  * confess
  * confession
  * confessional
  * confidant
  * confidante
  * confidence
  * confident
  * confine
  * confinement
  * confirm
  * confirmation
  * confiscation
  * confit
  * conflagration
  * confluent
  * conform
  * conformity
  * confound
  * confraternity
  * confrere
  * confront
  * confrontation
  * confusion
  * confute
  * congeal
  * congee
  * congener
  * congestion
  * congratulation
  * congregation
  * congruity
  * conjecture
  * conjoin
  * conjoint
  * conjugal
  * conjunction
  * conjuncture
  * conjuration
  * conjure
  * conjurer
  * connect
  * connection
  * connoisseur, Old Fr. conoisseor, compare modern Fr. connaisseur
  * conquer
  * conqueror
  * conquest
  * consanguine
  * consanguinity
  * conscience
  * conscientious
  * conscription
  * consecutive
  * consent
  * consequence
  * consequent
  * conservation
  * conservative
  * conservator
  * conserve
  * consider
  * consideration
  * consign
  * consist
  * consistence
  * consistory
  * consolation
  * console
  * consommé
  * consonance
  * consonant
  * consort
  * conspiracy
  * conspirator
  * conspire
  * constable
  * constance
  * constant
  * constellation
  * consternation
  * constitution
  * constrain
  * constraint
  * construction
  * constructive
  * consuetude
  * consul
  * consult
  * consultation
  * consume
  * consumption
  * contagion
  * contagious
  * contain
  * contaminate
  * contemn
  * contemplation
  * contemplative
  * contend
  * content
  * contention
  * contentious
  * contentment
  * contest
  * contestant
  * contiguity
  * continence
  * continent
  * contingent
  * continual
  * continuance
  * continuation
  * continue
  * continuity
  * contortion
  * contour
  * contra dance
  * contraband
  * contract
  * contractile
  * contraction
  * contracture
  * contradiction
  * contrariety
  * contrary
  * contrast
  * contravene
  * contravention
  * contretemps
  * contribution
  * contributor
  * contrite
  * contrition
  * contrive
  * control
  * controller
  * controverse
  * controversy
  * contumelious
  * contumely
  * contusion
  * convalescence
  * convalescent
  * convenance
  * convene
  * convenient
  * convent, Old Fr. convent, compare modern Fr. couvent
  * convention
  * conversant
  * conversation
  * converse
  * conversion
  * convert
  * convertible
  * convex
  * convey, Anglo-Fr. conveier, from Old Fr. convoier, compare modern Fr. convoyer
  * convive
  * convivial
  * convocation
  * convoke
  * convoy
  * convulsive
  * cooperation
  * coordination
  * cope
  * coppice
  * coprolalia
  * copulation
  * copy
  * coquet
  * coquetry
  * coquette
  * coral
  * corbel
  * cord
  * cordage
  * cordial
  * cordon
  * cordwainer
  * core
  * coriander
  * Coriolis force
  * corm
  * cormorant, Old Fr. cormarenc, compare Mod. Fr. cormoran
  * corn [callus on the foot]
  * cornelian, Old Fr. corneline, compare Mod. Fr. cornaline
  * corner
  * cornet
  * corniche
  * coronal
  * coroner
  * coronet
  * corporal (n.) Middle Fr. corporal, from Italian caporale, compare Mod. Fr. caporal
  * corporal (adj.) Old Fr. corporal, compare Mod. Fr. corporel
  * corps
  * corpse
  * corpulence
  * corpulent
  * correct
  * correction
  * corrective
  * correlation
  * correspond
  * corridor, Fr. corridor, from Italian corridore
  * corrigible
  * corrode
  * corrosion
  * corrosive
  * corrupt, Old Fr. corropt
  * corruptible
  * corsage
  * corsair
  * corset
  * cortege
  * corvee
  * corvette
  * cost
  * costal
  * costive
  * costume
  * coterie
  * cotillion
  * cottage
  * cotton, Old Fr. coton
  * couch
  * cougar
  * coulee
  * coulomb
  * council
  * counsel
  * counsellor
  * count (v.), Old Fr. cunte, from Latin computare, compare Mod. Fr. compter
  * count (n.), Old Fr. conte, from Latin comitem, compare Mod. Fr. comte
  * countenance
  * counter
  * counteract
  * counterargument, counter+argument, compare contre-argument
  * counterattack, counter+attack, compare contre-attaque
  * counterbalance, counter+balance, compare contrebalancer
  * counterculture, counter+culture,compare contreculture
  * counterfeit, Old Fr. contrefait
  * counterintelligence, counter+intelligence, compare contre-intelligence
  * countermand, Old Fr. contremander
  * counteroffer, counter+offer, compare contre-offre
  * counterpart, Middle Fr. contrepartie
  * counterpoint
  * counterpoise, Old Fr. contrepois, compare Mod. Fr. contrepoids
  * countersign, Middle Fr. contresigne
  * countervail, Anglo-Fr. countrevaloir, from Old Fr. contrevaloir
  * countess
  * country, Old Fr. cuntree, compare Mod. Fr. contrée
  * county, Anglo-Fr. counte, compare comté
  * coup
  * coup d'état
  * coup de grâce
  * coupe
  * couple
  * couplet
  * coupon
  * courage, Old Fr. corage, compare Mod. Fr. courage
  * courageous
  * courant
  * courgette
  * courier
  * course
  * courser
  * court
  * court martial, Fr. cour martiale
  * courteous
  * courtesan
  * courtesy
  * courtier
  * couscous, Fr. couscous, from Arabic kuskus
  * cousin, Old Fr. cosin
  * couture
  * couturier
  * covenant
  * cover, Old Fr. covrir
  * coverlet
  * covert
  * coverture
  * covet
  * covetous
  * covey
  * coward
  * cowardice
  * coy
  * cramp
  * crap
  * crappie
  * craps [game]
  * crass
  * cravat
  * crayfish, Old Fr. crevice, compare Mod. Fr. écrevisse
  * crayon
  * cream
  * creamery
  * creation
  * creator
  * creature
  * creche
  * credit
  * creditor
  * credulity
  * Cree
  * crème
  * crème brûlée
  * crème caramel
  * crème de la crème
  * crème de menthe
  * crenel
  * crenelate
  * creole
  * crêpe
  * creperie
  * crepuscule
  * crescent
  * crest
  * cretin
  * cretonne
  * crevasse
  * crevice
  * crew
  * cricket, Old Fr. criquet
  * crime
  * criminal
  * criminality
  * crinoline
  * critic
  * critique
  * Cro Magnon
  * crochet
  * crocket
  * crocodile
  * croissant
  * crone
  * croquet
  * croquette
  * crotch
  * crotchet
  * crouch
  * croupier
  * crouton, from the diminutive form of the old French word croust, (later to come into modern French as the word croûte), meaning 'crust'.
  * crown, Anglo-Fr. coroune, from Old Fr. corone, compare Mod. Fr. couronne
  * crozier
  * cru
  * crucial
  * crucifix
  * crucify
  * crudités
  * crudity
  * cruel
  * cruelty
  * cruet
  * crusade
  * crusader
  * crush
  * crust, Old Fr. crouste, compare Mod. Fr. croûte
  * cry, Old Fr. crier
  * crystal
  * crystalline
  * cube
  * cubic
  * cubism
  * cuckold
  * cuckoo
  * cucumber
  * cuirass
  * cuisine
  * cul-de-sac
  * cull
  * culmination
  * culotte
  * culpable
  * culprit
  * cult, Fr. culte
  * cultivation
  * culture, Fr. culture
  * cuneiform
  * cupidity
  * curable
  * curation
  * curative
  * curb
  * cure
  * curette
  * curfew, Old Fr. covrefeu, compare Mod. Fr. couvre-feu
  * curie
  * curiosity
  * curious
  * curlew
  * currant
  * current
  * currier
  * curry (v.)
  * curry favor
  * cursive
  * cursory
  * curtail
  * curtain
  * curtilage
  * cushion
  * custard
  * custom, from Old Fr. coustume, compare modern Fr. coutume
  * cutlass
  * cutler
  * cutlery
  * cutlet
  * cyclic
  * cygnet
  * cylinder
  * cymbal
  * cynosure
  * cypress
  * cystic
  * cystocele
  
  ## Contents
  
  * Top
  * A
  * B
  * C
  