Chaise
/ʃeɪz/noun
A light carriage or a chair, especially one with a reclining back or foot support.
Did you know?Chaise ultimately comes from Latin *cathedra* (“seat” or “chair”), the same root behind *cathedral*—a reminder that words for seating can become symbols of power and status.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
cathedra
“A chair or seat, especially a formal one.”
Old French
French
chaere / chaiere
“A chair or seat.”
Middle French
French
chaise
“A chair; later, a light carriage.”
17th Century
English
chaise
“A light, usually horse-drawn carriage for one or two people.”
Modern English
English
chaise
“A chair-like reclining seat or a chaise longue.”