ventail

noun

ven·​tail ˈven-ˌtāl How to pronounce ventail (audio)
: 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

Dictionary Entries Near ventail

Cite this Entry

“Ventail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ventail. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

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