Poulain
/ˈpuːleɪn/noun
A European, especially a Frankish Christian, born in the medieval Levant during the Crusading period.
Did you know?Medieval French used poulain, “foal,” for a locally born European in the Levant, perhaps evoking someone culturally different from newly arrived Westerners; the historical label later became politically charged.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pewH-lo-
“A young animal; a reconstructed ancestor associated with offspring and young creatures.”
Classical Latin
Latin
pullus
“A young animal, especially a chick or young creature.”
Late Latin
Latin
pullanus
“Of or relating to a young animal; a form underlying Romance words for a foal.”
Old French
Old French
polain / poulain
“A foal or colt.”
Medieval French
French
poulain
“A European born in the Levant; literally still “foal” in its ordinary sense.”
19th Century
English
poulain
“An English historical term for a European born in the medieval Levant, especially in Crusader states.”