Sash
/sæʃ/noun
A long strip of cloth worn around the waist or over the shoulder, often as a decorative or ceremonial band.
Did you know?English sash likely came through French from an Arabic word for a long strip or band, showing how even a fashion accessory can carry the imprint of medieval trade routes and courtly display.
Etymological Timeline
Arabic (medieval)
Arabic
شاش (shāsh)
“a fine cloth or muslin; by extension, a strip of cloth”
Persian
Persian
شاش (shāsh)
“fine muslin or gauze-like cloth”
Old French
Old French
chace / chasche
“a band or strip of cloth”
17th Century
English
sash
“a band or scarf worn around the waist or over the shoulder”
Modern English
English
sash
“a long decorative or ceremonial band of cloth”
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