Chassis
/ˈʃæsi/noun
The frame or supporting structure of a vehicle or other machine.
Did you know?French chassis originally referred to a frame or case, and it ultimately comes from a Latin root for “box,” the same ancient idea behind words tied to containers and enclosures.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
capsa
“a box or case”
Late Latin
Latin
capsia
“a box, chest, or container”
Old French
French
châsse
“a frame, shrine, or reliquary case”
18th Century
French
chassis
“a frame or supporting structure”
Modern English
English
chassis
“the frame on which a vehicle or machine is built”