List of English words of French origin (J–R)
# List of English words of French origin (J–R)

A great number of words of French origin have entered the English language to the extent that many Latin words have come to the English language.

* Top
* A–C
* D–I
* J
* K
* L
* M
* N
* O
* P
* Q
* R
* S–Z
* See also
* References

## J

* jabot
* jacinth
* jack, Old Fr. jaque or jacque, a garment, from Jacques, general nickname for peasants who used to wear this garment (see jacket)
* jacket, Old Fr. jaquette, diminutive form of jaque
* jade
* j'adoube
* jail
* jalousie
* jamb
* jambalaya
* James, Old Fr. James
* Jane, Old Fr. Jehane
* jangle
* janizary
* January
* jape
* jar
* jardinière
* jargon
* jasmine
* jasper
* jaundice
* jaunt
* jaunty
* javelin
* jaw
* jay, Old Fr. gai, compare Mod. Fr. geai
* je ne sais quoi
* jealous
* jealousy
* Jean
* jeans
* Jeffrey
* jelly (from gelée)
* jennet
* jeopardy
* jeremiad
* Jerome
* jersey
* jest
* jet
* jete
* jetsam
* jettison
* jetty
* Jew, Old Fr. giu
* jewel, Old Fr. jouel, compare Mod. Fr. joyau
* jeweller
* jewelry
* Jocelin
* jocund
* joie de vivre
* join, from joindre
* joinder
* joiner
* joint
* jointure
* joist
* jollity
* jolly
* jongleur
* jonquil
* jouissance
* journal
* journalism
* journalist
* journey (Old Fr. journée)
* joust
* jovial
* joviality
* joy
* joyous
* jubilation
* jubilee
* judge, from juge
* judgement
* judgment
* judicious
* juggle, from jongler
* juggler
* juice
* julep
* julienne
* July
* jupe
* Jurassic
* juridic
* jurist
* jury
* just, from Old French juste
* justice, from Old French, compare modern Fr. justice
* justiciable
* justifiable
* justification
* justify
* juxtapose
* juxtaposition

## Contents

* Top
* J
* K
* L
* M
* N
* O
* P
* Q
* R
* See also
* References

## K

* kamagraphy
* kaolin, Fr. kaolin, from Chinese Gao ling
* kennel
* kepi, Fr. képi, from Swiss Germ. käppi
* kerchief
* kermess or kirmess (Fr. 'kermesse)
* kern
* kestrel
* khedive
* kilo, Fr. kilo, from Greek khilioi
* kilogram, Fr. kilogramme
* kilometre or kilometer, Fr. kilomètre
* kinematic
* kiosk, Fr. kiosque, from Turkish koshk, from Persian kushk
* kir

## Contents

* Top
* J
* K
* L
* M
* N
* O
* P
* Q
* R
* See also
* References

## L

* label
* laborious
* labour or labor, Old Fr. labour, compare Mod. Fr. labeur
* lace
* lackey, Middle Fr. laquais
* lacquer
* lacrosse
* lactose
* lagoon, Fr. lagune, from Italian laguna, from Latin lacuna
* laic
* laissez-faire
* laissez-passer
* laity
* lake
* Lambert
* lamé
* lamentable
* lamp
* lampoon
* lamprey
* lance
* Lancelot
* lancer
* lancet
* language (Old Fr. langage)
* languish
* languor
* languorous
* L'Anse aux Meadows (Fr. L'anse aux méduses : Jellyfish Cove)
* lantern
* lanyard
* lapidary
* lapse
* larceny
* lard
* large
* largess
* larynx
* las
* lash
* lassitude
* lateen
* latent
* latitude
* latrine
* lattice
* laud
* launch
* launder
* laundry
* laurel
* Laurence or Lawrence
* lavage
* lavalier
* lavender
* laver (Fr. laveoir)
* lavish
* lawn
* laxative
* laxity
* lay (adj. and n.)
* layette
* league
* lease
* leash
* leaven
* lecher
* lecherous
* lechery
* lecithin
* lectern
* lees
* legacy
* legend
* legerdemain
* legion
* legionnaire
* legume
* leguminous
* leisure, Old Fr. leisir, compare modern Fr. loisir
* lemon
* lemonade
* lenity
* lenient
* lentil
* Leonard
* leopard
* Leopold
* leotard
* leprous
* lese-majesty
* lesion
* lessee
* lesson
* lessor
* letter
* lettuce
* Levant
* levee
* level
* lever
* levy
* Lewis
* lexicographer
* liable
* liaise
* liaison
* lias
* libel, Old Fr. libelle
* liberal
* liberalism
* liberality
* liberation
* libertine
* liberty, Old Fr . liberté
* library
* libre
* license
* licorice
* liege
* lien
* lieu
* lieutenant
* ligature
* lignite
* lilac
* limbic
* limit
* limousine
* limpid
* line
* lineage
* lineal
* lineament
* lingerie
* linnet
* lintel
* lion
* Lionel
* lipase
* lipid
* liquefaction
* liquefy
* liqueur
* liquid
* liquor, Old Fr. licour
* liquorice
* list
* litany
* liter
* literal
* literary
* literature, Old Fr. litterature
* litigant
* litigious, Old Fr. litigieux
* litotes
* litre
* litter
* litterateur
* liturgy
* livery
* livid
* lizard
* loach, Old Fr. loche
* local
* locale
* localisation
* localise
* locality
* locket
* locomotive
* locust
* lodge
* lodgement
* logic
* logician
* logistics
* loin
* Lombard
* longitude
* lorgnette
* loris
* lotion
* louche
* Louis
* Louisiana, Fr. Louisiane, named for Louis XIV of France
* Louisville, named for Louis XVI of France
* lounge
* loupe
* louver
* loyal
* loyalty
* lozenge, Old Fr. losenge, compare modern Fr. losange
* Lucy
* ludic
* luff
* luge
* lumen
* luminaire
* luminary, Middle Fr. luminarie
* lunar
* lunatic
* lune
* lunette
* lunge
* lupin, Old Fr. lupin
* lure
* lush
* lustre or luster
* lute
* luthier
* luxe
* luxurious
* luxury
* lymph
* lyre
* lyric

## Contents

* Top
* J
* K
* L
* M
* N
* O
* P
* Q
* R
* See also
* References

## M

* macabre
* macaque
* macaroon
* mace
* macédoine
* macer
* mache
* machine
* mackerel
* mackle
* macle
* macramé
* macrocosm, Old Fr. macrocosme
* macule
* madam (Old Fr. ma dame)
* madame
* madeleine
* mademoiselle
* maderization
* madrilene
* magazine
* Magdalenian
* magic
* magician
* magistral
* magnanimity
* magnificence
* magnificent
* magnify
* magnolia
* maigre
* mail, [post, letters] Old Fr. male, [metal ring armour] Old Fr. maille
* maillot
* maim
* Maine (name of the former French province of Maine)
* maintain (Old Fr. maintenir)
* maintenance
* maisonette, Fr. maisonnette
* maître d'hôtel
* majesty (Fr. majesté)
* major (n.)
* majority (Fr. majorité)
* majuscule
* malachite
* maladroit
* malady
* malaise
* malapert
* malapropos
* malcontent
* mal de mer
* mal du siècle
* male, Old Fr. masle, compare Mod. Fr. mâle
* malediction
* malevolence
* malevolent
* malfeasance
* malic
* malice
* malicious
* malign
* malignity
* malinger (Fr. malingre)
* malison
* mallard
* mallet
* malversation
* mammary
* manacle
* manage
* mandolin
* maneuver or manoeuvre, Fr. manœuvre
* manganese
* mange
* manger
* mangetout
* mangle
* mangonel
* maniac
* manicure
* manipulation
* mannequin
* manner
* manometer
* manor
* manque
* mansard
* mansion
* mantle, Old Fr. mantel, compare mod. Fr. manteau
* mantua, Fr. manteuil
* manual (n.)
* manufacture
* manure
* map
* maquette
* maquis
* maraud
* marble
* march
* March
* mardi gras
* Margaret
* margarine
* marinade
* marinate
* marine, Middle Fr. marin
* mariner
* marionette, Fr. marionette
* marital
* maritime
* marjoram
* market
* marl
* marmalade, Middle Fr. marmelade, from Port. marmelada
* marmoset
* marmot
* maroon
* marque
* marquee
* marquess
* marquetry
* marquis
* marriage, Old Fr. mariage
* marry, Old Fr. marier
* marshal, Old Fr. mareschal, compare modern Fr. maréchal
* martel de fer
* marten, Old Fr. martrine, compare modern Fr. martre
* martin
* martinet
* martingale
* marvel, Old Fr. merveille
* marvelous, Old Fr. merveillos, compare mod. Fr. merveilleux
* Marxist, Fr. marxiste
* mascle
* mascot
* masculine
* masculinity
* mask, Middle Fr. masque
* mason, Old Fr. masson, compare mod. Fr. maçon
* masonry, Fr. maçonnerie
* masque
* masquerade, Fr. mascarade, from Italian mascarata
* mass, Old Fr. masse
* massacre, Middle Fr. massacre
* massage
* masseur
* masseuse
* massicot
* massif
* massive
* master, Old Fr. maistre
* mastery, Old Fr. maistrie
* mastic
* mastiff
* mastitis
* mastodon
* match [stick for striking fire], Old Fr. meiche, compare mod. Fr. mèche
* matelot
* matelote
* materialism
* materiel
* maternal
* maternity
* mathematician
* mathematics
* Matilda
* matinal
* matinee
* matins
* matricide
* matrimonial
* matrimony
* matrix, Old Fr. matrice
* matron
* matte
* matter, Anglo-Fr. matere, compare mod. Fr. matière
* Matthew, Old Fr. Mathieu, ultimately from Hebrew Mattathyah
* mattress, Old Fr. materas, compare modern Fr. matelas
* maturation
* Maud, Old Fr. Mahaut, from Frankish
* maudlin
* maul
* mauve
* mavis
* maxim
* May, Old Fr. mai
* mayday, Fr. m'aider, shortening of venez m'aider
* mayhem, Anglo-Fr. maihem, from Old Fr. mahaigne
* mayonnaise
* mayor, Old Fr. maire
* mayoralty
* meagre
* mean [middle, intermediate], Old Fr. meien, compare mod. Fr. moyen
* measurable
* measure
* mechanic
* medal, Middle Fr. médaille
* medallion
* meddle, Old North. Fr. medler (Old Fr. mesler, compare mod. Fr. mêler)
* median
* mediant
* medical
* medicament
* medication
* medicine
* mediocre, Fr. médiocre
* mediocrity
* meditation
* meditative
* medlar
* medley, Old Fr. medlee
* megalomania
* melancholy
* melange
* melee or mêlée
* melilot
* melodic
* melodious
* melodrama, Fr. mélodrame
* melody
* melon
* member
* memoir
* memorable
* memory, Anglo-Fr. memorie, compare mod. Fr. mémoire
* menace
* menage
* ménage à trois
* menagerie
* mend, Old Fr. amender
* mendacious, Middle Fr. mendacieux
* mendicity
* menhir, Fr. menhir, from Breton men hir
* menial
* menopause
* menstruous
* mental
* mentality
* mention
* menu
* mercantile
* mercer
* merchandise
* merchant
* mercy, Old Fr. mercit or merci
* mere (adj.), Old Fr. mier
* merengue
* meridian
* meridional
* meringue
* merit
* merle
* merlin, Anglo-Fr. merilun, from Old Fr. esmerillon
* Merlin, Old Fr. Merlin, from Breton
* merlon
* mesalliance
* mesclun
* mesmerism
* mesne
* mess, Old Fr. mes
* message
* messenger
* messuage
* metabolism
* metal
* metallurgy, Fr. métallurgie
* metamorphose
* metaphor
* meteor
* meteorology
* meter or metre
* method
* méthode champenoise
* methylene
* meticulous
* metier
* metric
* metro, Fr. métro
* mew (n.) [cage], Old Fr. mue
* mezzanine, Fr. mezzanine, from Italian mezzanino
* microbe
* microcephalic
* microcosm
* microgramme
* micron
* Midi
* migraine
* migrant
* migration
* milieu
* milfoil
* militant
* militarisation
* militarism
* military
* Mille Lacs (USA), means 'thousand lakes'
* mille-feuille
* millet
* milliard
* milligram
* millilitre
* millimetre
* million
* millionaire, Fr. millionnaire
* mime
* minaret, Fr. minaret, from Turkish minare, from Arabic manarah
* minatory
* mince, Old Fr. mincier
* mine (n.), Old Fr. mine
* miner
* miniature
* minion
* minister, Old Fr. ministre
* ministerial
* minority
* minstrel
* mint
* minuet
* minuscule
* minute
* mirabelle
* miracle
* miraculous
* mirage
* mirepoix
* mirliton
* mirror, Old Fr. mireor, compare mod. Fr. miroir
* misadventure, Old Fr. mesaventure
* miscellany
* mischance
* mischief
* mischievous
* miscreant, Old Fr. mescreant, compare mod. Fr. mécréant
* mise en scène
* miserable, Old Fr. misérable
* misery, Old Fr. miserie, compare mod. Fr. misère
* misfeasance
* misnomer
* misprision
* misprize
* missal
* missile
* mistral
* mistress
* mitigation
* mitre
* mitten, Old Fr. mitaine
* mix, Anglo-Fr. mixte, compare mod. Fr. mixte
* mixture
* mizzen, Middle Fr. misaine
* moat
* mobile
* mobilisation
* mobilise or mobilize
* mobility
* mock
* mockery
* modal
* modality
* mode
* model
* moderation
* modern
* modernisation
* modest
* modesty
* modifiable
* modification
* modify
* modist
* modulation
* module
* mohair, Middle Fr. mocayart, from Arabic mukhayyar
* moiety
* moil
* moire
* moist, Old Fr. moiste, compare mod. Fr. moîte
* moisture
* mold
* mole
* molecule
* molest
* molestation
* mollification
* mollify
* mollusc
* moment, Old Fr. moment
* monarchy, Old Fr. monarchie
* monastery
* monastic
* monetary
* money, Old Fr. moneie, compare mod. Fr. monnaie
* monition
* monobloc
* monocle
* monogamy, Fr. monogamie
* monogram
* monolith
* monolithic
* monologue, Fr. monologue
* monopole
* monotony
* monsieur
* monster, Old Fr. monstre
* monstrous
* montage
* mooch
* Moor
* moraine
* moral
* morale
* moralise
* morality
* mordant
* morel
* morganatic
* morgue
* moribund
* morpheme
* morphine
* morsel
* mort
* mortal
* mortality
* mortar
* mortgage
* mortise
* mortification
* mortify
* mortise
* mortmain
* mortuary
* mosaic, Old Fr. mosaicq, compare mod. Fr. mosaïque
* mosque, Middle Fr. mosquée
* mot juste
* motet
* motif
* motion
* motivation
* motive
* motley
* moue
* mount, Old Fr. mont
* mountain, Old Fr. montaigne, compare mod. Fr. montagne
* mountainous, Fr. montagneux
* mousse
* moustache or mustache, compare moustache
* mouton enragé
* movable
* move, Old Fr. moveir, compare mod. Fr. mouvoir
* movement
* mucilage
* muck
* muffle, Old Fr. moufle
* mulct
* mule [footwear]
* mullein
* mullet
* mullion
* multiple
* multiplication
* multiply
* multitude
* mummification
* mummify
* mummy
* mundane
* municipal
* municipality
* munificence
* munition
* mural
* murmur
* murrain
* muscat
* muscatel
* muscle
* musculature
* muse
* mushroom
* music
* musical
* musicality
* musician
* musk
* musket, Middle Fr. mousquet
* musketeer, Middle Fr. mousquetaire
* muslin
* mustard, Old Fr. moustarde, compare modern Fr. moutarde
* muster, Old Fr. mostrer, compare modern Fr. montrer
* mute
* mutineer
* mutiny
* mutism
* mutton
* mutual
* mutualism
* muzzle
* myriad
* myrtle
* mysterious
* mystery, Old Fr. mistere, compare modern Fr. mystère
* mystic
* mystification
* mystify
* mystique
* mythology

## Contents

* Top
* J
* K
* L
* M
* N
* O
* P
* Q
* R
* See also
* References

## N

* nacarat
* nacelle
* nacre
* naiant
* naïve
* naivete
* naivety
* nanometre
* nanosecond
* nanotechnology
* narcolepsy
* narcotic
* nard
* narghile
* narration
* narrative
* nasal
* natality
* nation, Old Fr. nacion, from Latin natio(n-), compare mod. Fr. nation
* national
* nationalisation
* nationalise
* nationalism
* nationalist
* native
* nativity
* natron
* natural, Old Fr. naturel
* naturalisation
* naturalise
* naturalism
* naturalist
* nature, Old Fr. nature
* naturism
* nautical, Middle Fr. nautique
* naval, Old Fr. naval
* navarin
* navigable
* navigation
* navy, Old Fr. navie
* neat, Anglo-Fr. neit, from Old Fr. net, compare mod. Fr. net
* nebulous
* nebuly
* nécessaire
* necessary
* necessity
* necromancy, Old Fr. nigromancie, spelling changed in the 16 c. to conform with Greek etymology nekromanteia, compare mod. Fr. nécromancie
* née or nee, feminine past participle of naître, 'to be born'
* negation
* negative
* negatory
* negligee
* negligence
* negligent
* negligible
* negotiation
* negritude
* neologism
* nephew
* nepotism
* nervure
* neutral
* neutralisation
* neutralise
* neutrality
* neve
* newel
* Nez Perce
* nice (Old Fr. nice)
* nicety
* niche
* nicotine
* niece
* nitrate
* nitre
* nitrogen
* nobility
* noble
* noblesse oblige
* nocturnal
* nocturne
* Noel
* noise (Old Fr. noise)
* nomad
* nom de guerre
* nom de plume
* nominalism
* nominative
* nonage
* nonchalance
* nonchalant
* nonpareil
* noose
* Nordic
* norm
* Norman
* Normandy
* normative
* notable
* notary
* note
* notice
* notification
* notify
* notoriety
* nougat
* noun
* nourish
* nourishment
* nouveau riche
* nouveau roman
* nouveau
* nouvelle cuisine
* nouvelle vague
* novel
* novelty
* November
* novice (Old Fr. novice)
* novitiate
* nuance
* nubile
* nudism
* nuisance
* null
* nullity (Fr. nullité)
* number (Old Fr. nombre)
* numeral
* numeric
* numismatic
* nurse
* nursery
* nurture
* nutmeg
* nutrition (Fr. nutrition)
* nutritive
* nymph (Old Fr. nimphe)

## Contents

* Top
* J
* K
* L
* M
* N
* O
* P
* Q
* R
* See also
* References

## O

* obedient, Old Fr. obedient
* obeisance, Old Fr. obeissance, compare Mod. Fr. obéissance
* obelisk, Middle Fr. obélisque
* obesity
* obey
* objection
* objet d'art
* oblation
* obligation
* oblige, Old Fr. obligier, compare Mod. Fr. obliger
* oblique
* obliquity
* obscene
* obscure
* obscurity
* observance
* observant
* observatory
* observe
* obstacle
* obtain
* obtuse
* occasion
* occident
* occidental
* occipital
* occupation, Old Fr. occupacion, compare Mod. Fr. occupation
* occupy
* occur
* occurrence
* ocean, Old Fr. occean, compare Mod. Fr. océan
* Oceania, Fr. Océanie
* ocelot, Fr. ocelot, from Nahuatl ocelotl
* ochre
* octogenarian
* oculist
* odalisque
* ode
* odious, Anglo-Fr. odious, from Old Fr. odieus, compare Mod. Fr. odieux
* odometer, Fr. odomètre
* odour or odor, Anglo-Fr. odour, from Old Fr. odor, compare Mod. Fr. odeur
* oeillade
* oeuvre
* offend
* offense, Old Fr. offense
* offensive
* offer
* office
* officer, Old Fr. officier
* official
* officinal
* ogive, Fr. ogive
* ogre
* oil, Old Fr. oile, compare Mod. Fr. huile
* ointment, Old Fr. oignement
* oleaginous
* oligarchy
* olive
* Oliver
* omelette or omelet, Fr. omelette
* omission
* omnibus
* omnipotent
* onerous
* onion
* onyx
* ooh la la
* opacity
* opal
* opaque
* operation
* opine
* opinion, Old Fr. opinion
* opportune
* opportunism, Fr. opportunisme
* opportunity
* oppose, Old Fr. opposer
* opposite
* opposition, Old Fr. oposicion, compare Mod. Fr. opposition
* oppress, Old Fr. oppresser
* oppression
* opprobrious
* opt
* optative, Fr. optatif
* optic
* optician
* optimism, Fr. optimisme
* optimist
* option
* opulence
* oracle, Old Fr. oracle
* oracular
* orange, Old Fr. orenge, compare Mod. Fr. orange
* orator
* orb
* orchestration
* ordain, Old Fr. ordener, compare Mod. Fr. ordonner
* order, Old Fr. ordre
* ordinance
* ordinary
* ordination
* ordure
* organ
* organdy
* organic
* organisation
* organise
* organism
* orgasm
* orgy
* orient
* Oriental
* orientalism
* orientate
* orientation
* orifice
* oriflamme
* origin
* original
* originality
* orimulsion
* oriole, Fr. oriol, from Old Provençal auriol
* orison
* ormolu
* ornament
* ornithopter
* orogeny
* orpine
* orthogonal
* orthography, Old Fr. ortografie, compare Mod. Fr. orthographe
* orthopedic
* oscillation
* osier
* osprey
* ostensible
* ostentation
* ostrich
* Ottoman
* oubliette
* ounce
* oust
* ouster
* outrage
* outrageous
* outré
* overt
* overture
* ovule
* oxidant
* oxidation
* oxide
* oxygen
* oyer and terminer
* oyez
* oyster

## Contents

* Top
* J
* K
* L
* M
* N
* O
* P
* Q
* R
* See also
* References

## P

* pace, Old Fr. pas
* pachyderm
* pacific
* pacification
* pacifism
* pacifist
* pacify
* packet
* pact
* page
* pagination
* pail
* paillard
* pain
* paint
* painter
* pair
* palace, Old Fr. palais
* paladin
* palate
* palatial
* palatine
* palaver
* pale (adj.)
* Paleocene
* paleontology
* palestra
* palette
* palfrey
* palinode
* palisade
* pallet
* palliative
* pallor
* palm, Old Fr. palme
* palmer
* palp
* palpable
* palpitant
* palpitation
* palsy
* panache
* panda
* pane
* panegyric
* panel
* panic
* panne
* pannier
* pansy, Fr. pensée
* pant, Old Fr. pantaisier
* pantaloons, Fr. pantalon
* panther, Old Fr. pantère
* pantry
* papa
* papal
* paper
* papier-mâché
* papillon
* papist
* parable
* parachute
* paraclete
* parade
* paradise
* parados
* paragon
* paragraph
* parallax
* parallel
* parallelogram
* paralyse
* paramount, Anglo-Fr. paramont, from Old Fr. par amont
* paramour
* parapet
* paraphrase
* parasite
* parasitism
* parasol, Fr. parasol, from Italian parasole
* parboil
* parcel
* parchment
* pardon
* pare
* parent
* parentage
* parental
* parenthesis
* par excellence
* parfait
* parish
* parity
* park
* parlance
* parley
* parliament
* parlour
* parochial
* parole
* paroxysm
* parquet
* parricide
* parrot
* parry
* parse
* parsley
* parsnip
* parson
* part (Old Fr. part)
* parterre
* partial (Old Fr. parcial, compare modern Fr. partiel or partial, the latter being a synonym of biased)
* partiality
* participant
* participation
* participle
* particular
* particularism
* particularity
* partisan
* partition
* partner
* partridge
* party
* parvenu
* pas
* pass (Old Fr. passer)
* passable
* passage
* passant
* passé
* passenger
* passion
* passive
* passport
* paste
* pastel
* pastern
* pasteurisation
* pasteurise
* pastiche
* pastille
* pastis
* pastor
* pastoral
* pastry
* pasturage
* pasture
* pasty
* patch
* patchouli
* pâté
* patent
* paternal
* paternity
* pathetic
* pathology
* patience (Old Fr. pacience)
* patient
* patina
* patisserie
* patois
* patriarch
* patrician
* patrimony
* patriot
* patriotic
* patriotism
* patrol
* patron
* patronage
* patten
* pattern
* paucity
* paunch
* pause (Old Fr. pause)
* pave
* pavement
* pavilion
* paw
* pawn (Old Fr. pan, pant)
* pay
* payment
* paynim
* peace (Old Fr. pais)
* peaceable
* peach
* pearl
* peasant
* peasantry
* pecan
* pectin
* pedagogue
* pedagogy
* pedal
* pedant
* pedantry
* pederast
* pedestal
* pedicure
* pedigree
* pedometer
* peel
* peer
* peignoir
* pejorative
* pelage
* pelf
* pelisse
* pellet
* pell-mell (Fr. pêle-mêle)
* peloton
* pelt (Old Fr. pelete)
* pen (Old Fr. penne)
* penal
* penalty
* penance
* penchant
* pencil
* pendant
* pendentive
* penitence
* penitent
* pennant
* pennon
* pension
* pensioner
* pensive
* pentagon
* pentameter
* penthouse, Anglo-Fr. pentiz, from Old Fr. apentis
* penury
* people (Old Fr. peupel)
* peradventure, Old Fr. par aventure, refashioned as though from Latin
* percale
* perceive
* perch (Old Fr. perche)
* perchance, Old Fr. par cheance
* percussion
* perdition
* père
* peregrination
* peregrine
* peremptory
* perfect
* perfection
* perfidy
* perforce, Old Fr. par force
* perform
* perfume, from Middle French, parfum
* perfusion
* perianth
* peridot
* peril
* perilous
* period
* periodic
* periodicity
* periphery
* perish
* peristyle
* perjure
* perjury
* permanent
* permissible
* permission
* permissive
* permit
* permutation
* pernicious
* perpendicular
* perpetual
* perpetuity
* perron
* perry
* perse
* persecute
* persecution
* perseverance
* persevere
* Persian
* persist
* persistence
* person (Old Fr. persone)
* personage
* personal
* personality
* personify
* personnel
* perspective
* perspicacity
* perspiration
* persuasion
* persuasive
* pertain
* pertinacity
* pertinence
* pertinent
* perturb
* perturbation
* peruke
* perverse
* perversity
* pervert
* pessimism
* pessimist
* pest
* pestilence
* pestle
* petard
* petiole
* petit
* petite
* petite bourgeoisie
* petit four
* petition
* petrification
* petrify
* petroglyph
* petrol
* petty (Old Fr. petit)
* petulance
* petulant, compare pétulant
* petunia
* pew
* phaeton
* phalange
* phalanstery
* phantasm
* phantasmagoria
* phantom, Old Fr. fantosme, compare Mod. Fr. fantôme
* pharmacy
* pheasant
* phial
* philanthropic (Fr. philanthropique)
* philately (Fr. philatélie)
* philharmonic
* philology
* philosophe
* philosopher
* philosophy (Old Fr. filosofie)
* philtre (Fr. philtre)
* phlebotomy
* phlegm
* phlegmatic
* Phoenician
* phoenix, Old Fr. fenix, compare Mod. Fr. phénix
* phoresy
* phosphate
* photography, Fr. photographie
* phylactery
* physic, Old Fr. fisique, compare Mod. Fr. physique
* physician
* physique
* pianist
* pickaxe
* picket
* picnic
* piece (Old Fr. piece)
* piece de resistance
* pied-à-terre
* pierce
* Pierrot
* Piers
* piety (Old Fr. piete)
* pigeon
* pike
* pilaster
* pilfer
* pilgrim
* pillage
* pillar
* pillory
* pilot
* pimp
* pimpernel
* pince-nez
* pinch
* pineal
* pinion
* pinnace
* pinnacle
* pinot
* pint
* piolet
* pioneer
* pipette
* pippin
* piquant
* pique
* piqué
* piquet
* pirate
* pirogue
* pirouette
* piss, Old Fr. pissier, compare Mod. Fr. pisser
* piste
* pistil
* pistol
* pistole
* piston
* pitcher
* piteous
* pitiable
* piton
* pittance
* pity
* pivot
* placard
* place
* placid
* plague
* plaice
* plain (Old Fr. plain)
* plaint
* plaintiff
* plaintive
* plait
* plan
* planchet
* plane
* planet
* plank
* plant
* plantain
* plantation
* plantigrade
* plaque
* plastron
* plat du jour
* plate
* plateau
* platen
* platform (Fr. plateforme)
* platitude
* platoon (Fr. peloton)
* platter
* plea (Old Fr. plait)
* plead
* pleasant (Old Fr. plaisant)
* pleasantry (Old Fr. plaisanterie)
* please, Old Fr. plaise, subj. of plaire
* pleasure (Old Fr. plesir, modern French plaisir)
* pleat
* plebiscite (Fr. plébiscite)
* pledge (Old Fr. plege)
* plenitude
* plenteous
* plenty
* pleurisy
* pliable
* pliant
* plié
* plinth
* plover
* plumage
* plumb
* plumber (Old Fr. plommier)
* plume
* plummet
* plunge
* plural (Old Fr. pluriel)
* plurality
* plus ça change
* plush
* pluvial
* ply
* poach
* pocket
* poem (Fr. poème)
* poesy (Old Fr. poesie)
* poet
* poetic (Fr. poétique)
* poignant
* point
* pointillism
* poise
* poison
* poke (n.)
* polarise or polarize
* police
* policy
* polish
* politesse
* politic
* polity
* polonaise
* poltroon
* polytechnic
* polytheism
* pomade
* pome
* pomegranate
* pommel
* pomp
* pompom
* pompadour
* pompier
* pompous
* ponder
* poniard
* pontiff
* pontoon
* pony
* pool [game]
* poontang
* poop
* poor, Old Fr. poure, compare Mod. Fr. pauvre
* popinjay
* poplar
* poplin
* populace (Fr. populace)
* porcelain
* porch
* porcine
* porcupine
* pork
* pornography
* porous
* porphyry
* porpoise
* porridge
* port (Old Fr. port)
* portable
* portage
* portcullis
* porte cochère
* portent
* porter
* portière
* portion
* portmanteau
* portrait
* portraiture
* portray
* pose, compare poser
* poseur
* position (Old Fr. position)
* positive (Old Fr. positif)
* positivism
* possess (Old Fr. possesser, modern Fr. posséder)
* possessive
* possibility
* possible (Fr. possible)
* post, compare poste
* postal
* posterity
* postern
* postilion, Fr. postillon
* postulant
* posture
* pot
* potable
* potation
* potion
* potpourri
* pottage
* potter
* pottery
* pouch
* pouffe
* poult
* poulterer
* poultry
* pounce
* poutine, Quebec Fr.
* poverty, Old Fr. poverte, compare Mod. Fr. pauvreté
* powder, Old Fr. poudre, compare Mod. Fr. poudre
* power, Old Fr. poeir, compare Mod. Fr. pouvoir
* practicable
* practical (Old Fr. practique)
* practise
* pragmatic
* prairie
* praise
* praline
* pray
* prayer
* preach
* preacher
* preamble
* prebend
* precaution
* precede
* precedence
* precedent
* precious
* precipice
* precipitation
* precipitous
* precis
* precise
* precision
* precocity
* predestination
* predestine
* predilection
* predisposition
* predominance
* predominant
* preen
* preface
* prefect
* prefecture
* prefer
* preferable
* preference
* prefix
* pregnancy
* pregnant
* prehensile
* prehistoric
* prehistory
* prejudge
* prejudice
* prelate
* preliminary
* prelude
* premature
* premier
* premiere (Fr. première)
* premise
* premiss
* premolar
* premonition
* prenatal
* preoccupation
* preoccupy
* preparation
* prepare
* prepuce
* prerogative
* presage
* prescription
* presence
* present
* presentable
* presentation
* presentiment
* preservation
* preservative
* preserve
* preside
* presidence
* president
* press
* pressure
* prestidigitation
* prestige
* presume
* presumption
* presumptuous
* presuppose
* presupposition
* prêt-à-porter
* pretend
* pretense
* pretentious
* preterite
* prevail
* prevalence
* prevalent
* prevarication
* prevision
* prevue
* prey
* price (Old Fr. pris)
* priest
* prim
* primacy
* primate
* primitive
* primogeniture
* primrose
* prince (Old Fr. prince)
* princess
* princical
* principality (Old Fr. principalité)
* principle
* print
* priority
* priory
* prise
* prison (Old Fr. prisoun)
* prisoner
* pristine
* privation
* privilege
* privity
* privy
* prix fixe
* prize
* probability
* probable
* probation
* probity
* problem
* problematic
* procedure
* proceed
* process
* procession
* proclaim
* proclamation
* procreation
* procurable
* procurator
* procure
* procurement
* procurer
* prodigal
* prodigality
* prodigious
* production
* profanation
* profane
* profer
* profess
* profession
* proffer
* profile
* profit
* profitable
* profiteroles
* profound
* profundity
* profusion
* progenitor
* progeny
* prognostication
* programme
* progress
* progression
* prohibition
* projection
* proletariat
* proliferation
* prolific
* prolix
* prologue
* prolong
* prolongation
* promenade
* prominence
* prominent
* promiscuity
* promise
* promotion
* prompt
* promptitude
* promulgation
* pronation
* prone
* pronoun (Fr. pronom)
* pronounce
* pronouncement
* pronunciation
* proof (Old Fr. proeve)
* propagation
* propane
* proper (Old Fr. propre)
* property
* prophecy (Old Fr. profecie)
* prophesy
* prophet
* prophetess
* prophetic
* propinquity
* propitious
* proport
* proportion (Old Fr. proportion)
* propose, from proposer
* proposition (Old Fr. proposition)
* propriety
* prorogue
* prosaic
* prose (Old Fr. prose)
* prosecution
* proselyte
* prospective
* prospectus
* prosper
* prosperity
* prosperous
* prostate
* protection (Old Fr. protection)
* protectionism
* protectionist
* protector
* protege
* protegee
* protein
* protest
* Protestant
* protestation
* protocol (Old Fr. prothocole)
* prototype
* protrusion
* protuberance
* proud (Old Fr. prud)
* prove
* provenance
* Provence
* provender
* proverb
* providence
* province (Old Fr. province)
* provincial
* provincialism
* provision
* provisional
* provocation
* provoke
* provost
* prow
* prowess
* proximity
* proxy
* prude
* prudence
* prudent
* prudery
* prune
* psaltery
* pseudonym
* psychiatry
* pterodactyl
* puberty
* pubescent
* public
* publication
* publicist
* publicity
* publish
* puce
* puerility
* pugnacity
* puissance
* puissant
* pulley
* pulse
* pulverisation
* pumice
* pump
* pumpkin
* punch
* puncheon
* punish (Old Fr. puniss-)
* punishment
* punitive
* puny
* pup
* pupil
* puppet
* puppy
* purchase
* pure (Old Fr. pur)
* puree
* purgative
* purge
* purification
* purify (Old Fr. purifier)
* purist
* purity
* purloin
* purport
* purpose (Old Fr. porpos)
* purse
* pursuant
* pursue
* pursuit
* purulent
* purvey
* purveyor
* purview
* push
* pusillanimity
* pustule
* putative
* putrefaction
* putrefy
* putridity
* putty (Modern Fr. potée)
* pyramid
* pyrite

## Contents

* Top
* J
* K
* L
* M
* N
* O
* P
* Q
* R
* See also
* References

## Q

* quadrangle
* quadrangular
* quadrille
* quadruped
* quail
* quaint
* quality
* quantity
* quarrel
* quarry
* quart
* quarter
* quartet
* quartier
* quartile
* quash
* quaternary
* quatrain
* quatrefoil
* quay
* queasy
* Québécois
* Quentin
* querulous
* quest
* question
* questionnaire
* queue
* qui vive
* quiche
* quiet
* quietude
* quilt
* quince
* quinsy
* quint
* quintain
* quintal
* quintessence
* quintuple
* quire
* quit
* quittance
* quiver
* quoit
* quote
* quotidian

## Contents

* Top
* J
* K
* L
* M
* N
* O
* P
* Q
* R
* See also
* References

## R

* rabat
* rabbit
* race
* racism
* racket
* raconteur
* racquet
* radiant
* radioactive
* raffle
* rage, Old Fr. raige
* ragout
* rail
* raillery
* raiment
* raisin
* raison d'être
* rally
* ramification
* ramify
* ramp
* rampage
* rampant
* rampart
* rancour
* random
* range
* rank
* rankle
* ransom
* rapacity
* rape
* rapids
* rapier
* rapine
* rappel
* rapport
* rapporteur
* rapprochement
* rapture
* rare, Old Fr. rere
* rarefy
* rarity
* rascal
* rasp
* rastaquouère
* ratafia
* ratatouille
* ratchet
* rate
* ratification
* ratify
* ration
* rationalisation
* rationalism
* rationality
* raucous
* ravage
* rave
* raven
* ravenous
* ravine
* ravish
* ray
* Raymond
* rayon
* raze
* razor
* reaction
* reactionary
* reactive
* reaffirm
* reaffirmation
* real, Old Fr. reel
* realisable
* realisation
* realise
* reality
* realm
* ream (n.)
* rear
* reason, Old Fr. raison
* reasonable
* reassure
* rebarbative
* rebate
* rebec
* rebel
* rebellion
* rebound
* rebuff
* rebuke
* rebut
* recalcitrance
* recalcitrant
* recapitulation
* recede
* receipt
* receive, Old Fr. receivre, compare Modern Fr. recevoir
* receptacle
* reception
* receptor
* recharge
* recherche
* recidivist
* recipe
* recipient
* reciprocity
* recitation
* recite
* reclaim
* reclamation
* recluse
* recognizance
* recognize
* recoil
* recollection
* recommence
* recommencement
* recommend
* recommendation
* recompense
* reconciliation
* reconfigure
* reconnaissance
* reconnoitre, compare reconnaître
* record
* recordation
* recorder, Old Fr. recordeur
* recount
* recoup
* recourse
* recover
* recovery
* recreant
* recreation
* recrimination
* recruit
* rectangle
* rectification
* rectify
* rectitude
* rectory
* recuse
* redolent
* redouble
* redoubt
* redoubtable
* redound
* redress
* reduce
* reduction
* refer
* reflect
* reform
* refrain
* refresh
* refreshment
* refuge
* refugee
* refund
* refuse
* regain
* regale
* regard
* regenerative
* regent
* regime
* regiment
* region
* regional
* regret
* regroup
* regular
* rehabilitation
* rehearse
* reign
* reimburse
* rein
* rejection
* rejoice
* rejoin
* rejoinder
* relation
* relative
* relax
* relay
* release
* relic
* relief
* relieve
* religion
* religious
* relinquish
* reliquary
* relish
* rely
* remain, Old Fr. remaindre
* remainder
* remand
* remark
* remarkable
* remedy
* remember
* remembrance
* remise
* remission
* remnant
* remonstrance
* remorse
* remoulade
* remove
* renaissance
* render
* rendezvous
* rendition
* renounce
* renouncement
* renown
* rent
* rentier
* repair
* reparable
* repartee
* repartition
* repast
* repay
* repeal
* repeat
* repel
* repent
* repentance
* repentant
* repercussion
* repertoire
* replenish
* replenishment
* replete
* replevin
* replication
* reply
* report
* repose
* repoussé
* represent
* representative
* reprieve
* reprimand
* reprisal
* reprise
* reproach
* reprove
* reptile
* republic
* repugnance
* repulsive
* repute
* request
* require
* requisition
* rescue
* research
* resemblance
* resemble
* resent
* resentment
* reservation
* reserve
* reservoir
* reside
* residence
* residue
* resign
* resignation
* resile
* resin
* resist
* resistance
* resistant
* resonance
* resort
* resound
* resource
* respire
* respite
* respond
* response
* responsibility
* responsible
* responsive
* ressentiment
* rest
* restaurant
* restaurateur
* restitute
* restive
* restore
* restrain
* restraint
* restrictive
* résumé
* resurrection
* retail
* retain
* retard
* retardant
* retentive
* reticence
* reticule
* retinue
* retire
* retirement
* retouch
* retrace
* retreat
* retrench
* retrenchment
* retrieve
* retroactive
* return
* reunion
* revanche
* revanchist
* reveal
* reveille
* revel
* revelation
* revenant
* revenge
* revenue
* reverberant
* reverberation
* revere
* reverence
* reverend
* reverie
* reverse
* reverser
* reversion
* revert
* revetment
* review
* revile
* revise
* revision
* revisit
* revive
* revivify
* revocable
* revoke
* revolt
* revolution
* revue
* reward
* rhapsody
* rhetoric
* rheumatic
* rhubarb
* rhyme
* ribald
* ribaldry
* ribbon
* rice
* Richard
* riches
* ricochet
* ridicule
* rifle
* rigor or rigour
* rigorous
* rink
* rinse
* riot
* riposte
* risk
* risqué
* river
* rivet
* rivulet
* roach
* roan
* roast
* rob
* robbery
* robe
* Robert
* robin
* rock
* rocket (plant), Fr. roquette
* rococo
* Roger
* rogue
* roil
* roister
* Roland
* role
* roll, Old Fr. rolle
* romaine
* Roman
* roman à clef
* romance
* romantic
* Rome
* rondeau
* rondel
* rook (chesspiece)
* rosé
* rosette
* rosin
* rotisserie
* roué
* rouge
* roulette
* round
* roundel
* roundelay
* rouse
* rout, Old Fr. route
* route
* routine
* roux
* rowel
* royal, Old Fr. roial, compare Mod. Fr. royal
* royalty
* rubbish
* rubble
* rubric
* ruby
* ruche
* rude
* rudiment
* rue (plant)
* ruffian
* ruin
* ruinous
* rule
* rummage
* rumor or rumour
* rupture
* rural
* ruse
* rush, Old Fr. ruser
* Russell
* russet
* rut

## Contents

* Top
* J
* K
* L
* M
* N
* O
* P
* Q
* R
* See also
* References
