Comforter
/ˈkʌm.fər.tər/noun
A person or thing that gives comfort or consolation; also, a thick quilted bed covering.
Did you know?Comforter entered English through Old French from Latin *comfortāre*, literally meaning “to strengthen greatly,” from *com-* “together, thoroughly” + *fortis* “strong,” so the word originally carried the energy of empowerment, not pampering.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bherǵʰ-
“to be strong, high, or prominent”
Latin
Latin
fortis
“strong, brave”
Late Latin
Latin
comfortāre
“to strengthen greatly, encourage”
Old French
Old French
conforter
“to comfort, console, strengthen”
Middle English
English
comforter
“one who comforts or consoles; later also a bed covering”