Target
/ˈtɑːr.ɡɪt/noun
An object aimed at, or a goal or intended result.
Did you know?The word entered English from Old North French *targette*, a diminutive of *targe* (“shield”), so its original sense was a small defensive shield used in battle.
Etymological Timeline
Late Old English / Middle English
English
target
“A small shield or buckler.”
Old North French
ONF
targette
“A small shield.”
Old French
OF
targe
“Shield, buckler.”
Medieval Latin
ML
targa
“Shield.”
Germanic (uncertain)
Gmc
*targō / *targōn
“Shield or board; the deeper origin is uncertain.”