Cachet
/kæˈʃeɪ/noun
A mark of distinction or prestige; also a seal or stamp used for authentication.
Did you know?Cachet comes from French, where it first meant a seal or stamped mark, and that same root is tied to words for hiding and enclosing—proof that “prestige” once started as a physical imprint of power.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
capsa
“a box or case”
Late Latin
Late Latin
cappĭtāre
“to seize or take hold of”
Old French
Old French
cachet
“a seal, stamp, or small sealed packet”
17th Century
French
cachet
“a seal or mark of authority”
19th Century
English
cachet
“prestige, distinction, or a seal of approval”