Tortue
/tɔːrˈtuː/noun
A rare English borrowing from French meaning a tortoise or turtle, especially in historical or heraldic contexts.
Did you know?The English words “turtle” and “tortoise” are historically connected to the same ancient Mediterranean naming tradition surrounding the tortoise.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
tartaroukhos
“A term associated with the tortoise; the precise formation and transmission are debated.”
Late Latin
Latin
tartarūca
“Tortoise or turtle.”
Old French
Old French
tortue
“Tortoise; turtle.”
Middle English
English
tortue
“A tortoise or turtle, used as a rare French-derived form.”
Modern English
English
tortue
“A rare or historical term for a tortoise or turtle.”