Meaning And Etymology Of The Word Clog And The Word Sabot

Introduction

In this assignment, I will be analyzing two words that might have similar history or perhaps the same history (etymology). I will also compare and contrast the relationship between two words from both etymological and morphological perspectives, and eventually explain the reasons why I believe the word clog and the word sabot are not related.

Meaning/Etymology of the word “clog”

The word clog could either function as a noun or a verb.

When functioning as a noun, the word clog firstly appeared in 1325 with the meaning of a block or lump tied to anything for use or ornament. Since then, the meaning of clog underwent changes from time to time. For instances, from 13th century to 19th century, clog can also refers to as a thick piece of wood; a short piece of the trunk, or of a large root, of a tree; a block, clump or a wooden-soled overshoe or sandal worn (chiefly by women) in some localities, to protect the feet from wet and dirt.

In 1398, John Trevisa, a Cornish writer and translator, firstly used the word clog in his work. His definition of the word was to fasten a clog or heavy block of wood to; to fetter or confine by this means. The meaning of clog nowadays (when functioning as a verb) refers to encumber or impede as clay or other sticky matter by adhesion.

Meaning/Etymology of the word “sabot”

The original definition of the word is a wooden shoe made of a single piece of wood shaped and hollowed out to fit the foot, which it appeared in 1607 in Henri Estienne’s A world of wonders. Moreover, this is the definition that I will be using to compare and contrast with clog’s definition (as a nount). In 19th century, the word sabot meant a metal cup fixed by means of metal straps to a conical projectile, to cause it to ‘take’ the rifling of the gun. In 20th century, any device fitted inside the muzzle of a gun to hold or support the projectile to be