Randon
/ˈræn.dən/noun
An obsolete word meaning impetuous force, violent motion, or a headlong rush.
Did you know?“Random” developed from Middle English randon, and “at random” originally suggested acting with reckless, uncontrolled force before acquiring its modern meaning of unpredictability.
Etymological Timeline
Early Germanic
Germanic
*rand- / *randōn
“A reconstructed source associated with running, rushing, or impetuous movement; the precise ancestry is uncertain.”
12th Century
Old French
randon
“A rush, gallop, or surge of uncontrolled force.”
12th–13th Century
Old French
randir
“To run or gallop rapidly; the verb related to randon.”
c. 1300
Middle English
randon
“Impetuosity, violence, or great speed.”
14th–15th Century
English
at random
“At great speed or in an uncontrolled manner; later, without a definite plan.”
Modern English
English
randon
“An obsolete or archaic term for a headlong rush or impetuous movement.”