Vellum
/ˈvɛləm/noun
A fine parchment made from calfskin, used especially for writing or illuminating manuscripts.
Did you know?In medieval Europe, the most prestigious books were often written on vellum because its smooth surface could hold ink and illumination far better than ordinary parchment.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wele-
“to tear, strike, or wound (the distant root behind Latin vitulus, a calf)”
Latin
Latin
vitulus
“calf”
Late Latin
Latin
vitellum
“calfskin; little calf”
Old French
Old French
vitel
“calf, calfskin”
Middle English
English
velum / velum
“fine calfskin parchment”
Modern English
English
vellum
“fine parchment made from calfskin”