Dessin
/dɛˈsɛ̃/noun
A sketch or drawing, especially one used as a design or study for a finished artwork.
Did you know?French dessin and dessein (“purpose” or “design”) were historically variants of the same word, linking visual creation with intention or planned action.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
designare
“To mark out, indicate, or designate; the source of the later idea of designing.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
designare
“To delineate or represent by marks, especially in an artistic or schematic sense.”
15th Century
Italian
disegno
“A drawing, design, or artistic conception; both the visible sketch and the mental plan behind it.”
16th Century
French
dessein
“A design, plan, or intention; the form later divided into dessin and dessein.”
17th Century
French
dessin
“A drawing or outline, especially an artistic study or preparatory design.”
19th Century
English
dessin
“An English art term for a sketch, drawing, or design, borrowed from French.”